Saint-Sever Abbey, Saint-Sever, France

Saint-Sever Abbey (abbaye de Saint-Sever) is a Benedictine monastery. It was founded at the end of the 10th century by William II Sánchez of Gascony. According to the monastic chronicles, this was as the result of a vow he made after the battle of Taller, in Gascony, in which he defeated the Vikings (982). In 1060, after a fire, the abbey was reconstructed on the model of Cluny under the direction of the abbot Gregori de Montaner. The Saint-Sever Beatus was the work of monks working under the direction of the same abbot; Abbot Gregori held the post from 1028 to 1072.

The abbey church is a Romanesque building from the 12th century with seven apses. The abbey was listed by France as a historic monument in 1911 and in 1998 it and other sites were jointly designated as the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France World Heritage site.

References:

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User Reviews

Jean-marc Delmotte (11 months ago)
Une merveille à la pas manquer dans une ville magnifique

Benjamin BIGOT (11 months ago)
Un des plus lieu religieux que j'ai visité, ne paye pas de mine, mais magnifique. Lieu chargé d'histoire, vous pouvez faire une visite guidée ainsi que monté au clochet

Anastasia An (11 months ago)
The Abbey Church of St. Sever is an exceptional place. Take the time to look at the carved capitals, including those dating from the 11-12th century. If it is in July-August, you have the possibility of going up to the bell tower (only 100 steps, rather easy) to have a rather unusual view of the nave, and then of the city from the top of the bell tower. Tours depart three times a day on weekdays.

Christine Valantin (12 months ago)
Excellent guide pationante

Catherine Roy (3 years ago)
It is a very beautiful church which brings to the people who return there a lot of calm and peace. She also receives pilgrims who go to Santiago de Compostela, so that they can meditate on their journey. This passage is indicated on the sidewalks of the city near the abbey.

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