Ganagobie Abbey

Ganagobie, France

Ganagobie Abbey is a Benedictine monastery in Ganagobie in the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France. The first monastic foundation on this remote and mountainous site appears to date from the 9th or 10th century. Among the first documentary records is a bull of Pope Stephen VIII in 939 confirming the possessions of Cluny Abbey, among them the monastery at Ganagobie. It was suppressed in 1789 under the Ancien Régime and sold off in 1791 during the course of the French Revolution, after which large parts of the buildings were demolished.

In 1865 the Benedictines of Solesmes under Dom Prosper Guéranger founded the Priory of St. Madeleine in Marseilles, or Marseilles Priory. In 1891 the Comte de Malijay, by that time the owner of the priory site at Ganagobie, made a gift of to the Marseilles Priory. In the course of repair and restoration work on the new property, important medieval mosaics were discovered in 1898.

In 1901 however the community at Marseilles were forced by the Association Laws to leave France. They took refuge in Italy and did not return until 1922, when they took up residence at Hautecombe Abbey, of which Ganagobie was from then on a priory, of one or two monks only.

In 1987, after decades of restoration work, the whole community of Hautecombe decided to move to Ganagobie, which they did in 1992.

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Details

Founded: 10th century AD
Category: Religious sites in France
Historical period: Frankish kingdoms (France)

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Natalya Marquand (8 months ago)
The location is lovely but we can't be the first to feel frustrated that they're closed over lunchtime. There is a very large parking lot near at the top of the drive, but if it's the low season it's worth driving further and parking right next to the church or right next to the shop (only 2 places) as it's a good 15 minute walk from the parking to the abbey. The direct walking path from the shop to the monastery that shows on Google maps is closed to the public so you have to walk around on the road. The shop and church and monastery are completely closed over lunch but the view is gorgeous. There is a single very poorly maintained toilet next to the shop that remains open during the lunch hours though it's lock function is faulty.
Marc Shepherd (9 months ago)
I stayed at the abbey for 4 nights. A very memorable event that I suggest everyone try. Guests stay at the abbey, but apart from the monks. Meals are good and basic, and rooms are comfortable and simple. Silence is practiced throughout the monastery including mealtimes. The gift shop near the monastery opens at 2 pm. During lunchtime, the church is closed and locked until 2. Therefore make sure to visit prior to that time. Make sure to visit the ruins of the old village at the north end of the plateau. It’s a short walk and well worth it.
Maurel Mbe (2 years ago)
Great place to think about life and understand God's plan. The nature is incredible here and it's a great place to live. The teachings given by the monks are very enriching. I highly recommend this place to all those who need some peace and quiet, alone or with their family, away from the noise and pollution of the big cities.
Martin Gades (4 years ago)
The serpentine road that leads up to the old priory is really beautiful once you arrive at the parking spot you have several options to explore the priory and the surrounding sights there’s a beautiful path going through old olive and holly oak trees that leads to the gift and souvenir shop that’s where you can buy tickets for the priory and shop locally harvested honey and much more. The abbey is just a few minute walk away from the shop. If you take the path on the left side of the abbey you will see the Ganaboie Cross the view over the durance valley is amazing! You have to visit it you will love it! It’s a overall good place for a half day trip even for people who are atheists (like me ) or who aren’t Christian it’s not just for religious people. If you are into history and beautiful landscapes this place is definitely worth a visit ?
Thomas Roche (5 years ago)
Current Abbey open to the public. Magnificent and peaceful place. Check opening hours.
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The arrival of the Maurist monks in 1659, after the disasters of the Wars of Religion, helped to get the abbey back on a firmer spiritual, architectural and economic footing. They erected a large monastic building one wing of which fitted tightly around the chapter house (which was otherwise left as it was).