Abbaye aux Dames

Saintes, France

The Abbaye aux Dames ('Ladies' Abbey') was the first Benedictine nunnery in Saintes. The abbey was founded in 1047 by Geoffrey II, Count of Anjou, and his wife Agnes. Agnes later retired to the nunnery and died there.

One of its abbesses was Agnès of Barbezieux (1134–1174), whose relative, Eleanor of Aquitaine, was a generous donor to the abbey. The abbey church, Sainte-Marie-des-Dames, dates from the 12th century.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 1047
Category: Religious sites in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Andrew Holt (6 months ago)
Don't normally like audio guides on self guided tours, this one's included in entry price & is essential to access the most interesting areas, also helps that the guides funny & informative.
Vrushali Patil (10 months ago)
Lovely wedding place however they are limited on bathroom spaces and cpuld benefit from better signage.
angela lambert (2 years ago)
Very pretty in a small place stranded in for half an hour on way to to Bordeaux.
Rose Youtube (2 years ago)
Make sure if you get an audio it is clearly explained. My audio battery ran out shortly after starting the tour. Being on a tight timeframe, I couldn't catch my wife and returned the audio and waited for my wife to finish the tour. Disappointingly, they were unwilling to provide a refund.
Luca Lategan (3 years ago)
Worth a visit to see the ancient sculptures and architecture that has been well and) preserved!
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Château de Foix

The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.

In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians.