Lessay Abbey

Lessay, France

It is not exactly known when the Abbaye de Sainte-Trinité in Lessay was established; other historians date it to 1056, Cologne University to 1105. The vaults of the church, built around 1100 are however probably the oldest in Normandy. The abbey flourished in the 12th and 13th centuries, but during the Hundred Years' War in 1356 it was burned and looted. The nave and tower were badly damaged and restored in 1385. Lessay Abbey suffered again in the French Wars of Religion, when it was looted twice. Again in World War II the bombings of Normandy invansion in 1944 destroyed it partially and restoration took 12 years.

References:

Wikipedia

The abbey was not bombed in 1944 but was deliberately blown up by German land mines before the Germans retreated.

Address

Rue Paul Jeanson 6, Lessay, France

See all sites in Lessay

Details

Founded: 11th century
Category: Religious sites in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)

More Information

www.mondes-normands.caen.fr

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

Château de Pirou (7,2 km)

Mont Orgueil (35,4 km)
Sainte-Mère-Église Church (26,2 km)
Utah Beach Museum (33,8 km)
Airborne Museum (26,3 km)
Coutances Cathedral (20,3 km)
Carentan Church (23,1 km)
Vauban Tower (45,8 km)
Holy Trinity Church (47,3 km)
Phare de Gatteville Lighthouse (56,4 km)

User Reviews

Tristram de Piro (2 years ago)
Built about the same time as the church in Avening, near Stroud. Either could claim to be the originator of the cross rib vault.

Pascale F (3 years ago)
Really pretty this abbey. Take advantage of taking a detour if you are not far because it is very pretty, with many other things around not to be overlooked for the beauty of the eyes. Sincerely good visit

Elizabeth-Jeanne Gosselin (3 years ago)
The abbey is free to enter and visits are organized for private parties in the summer of the Abbey. The explanatory panels deserve that we take the time to read them. When the sun crosses the stained glass windows it is magnificent!

Michael Potter (6 years ago)
Very interesting place

Alan C (AlanC-LAUK) (6 years ago)
Almost completely destroyed during the battle to liberate France the abbey building has been completely restored and a new modern organ installed. Quiet and peaceful, free entry. Closes 1830 according to the note on the door.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Photo from Flickr, copyright w_lemay

Historic Site of the week

Temple of Edfu

The Temple of Edfu is one of the best preserved ancient shrines in Egypt. It was built in the Ptolemaic Kingdom between 237 and 57 BC.

Edfu was one of several temples built during the Ptolemaic Kingdom, including the Dendera Temple complex, Esna, the Temple of Kom Ombo, and Philae. Its size reflects the relative prosperity of the time. The present temple initially consisted of a pillared hall, two transverse halls, and a barque sanctuary surrounded by chapels. The building was started during the reign of Ptolemy III Euergetes and completed in 57 BC under Ptolemy XII Auletes. It was built on the site of an earlier, smaller temple also dedicated to Horus, although the previous structure was oriented east–west rather than north–south as in the present site.