Arthous Abbey, Hastingues, France

Arthous Abbey (formerly known as the Abbey of St. Mary of Arthous) was founded in 1167 in a deserted area bordering the Basque Country. The abbey belongs to the Order of Premonsterians.

The abbey was badly damaged due to religious wars in the 16th century. In particular, the Huguenots burned the choir of the church and canonical buildings in 1571, and the archives were eradicated.

The abbey church was built in a late Romanesque style and its monastery buildings reconstructed in the 17th and 18th centuries. They are an interesting example of modern canonical architecture. The abbey ceased to exist completely in 1791 and was used as a farm. A dilapidated church served as a barn. Almost nothing remained of the original monastic buildings except for the foundations of the western and northern walls.

In 2021, the Arthous Abbey is celebrating its origins and its collections which gave birth to the museum. The exceptional sculptures of prehistoric horses discovered in the 1960s in the neighboring town of Sorde-l'Abbaye, of which it is the custodian, are the subject of a photographic exhibition and a new space for promotion: the treasure room.

References:

all-andorra.com

User Reviews

Véro Daluz (14 months ago)
An interesting place but I have not at all found the atmosphere that you think you can find in such a place. On the other hand a beautiful exhibition in the church, a little surprising.

Martine Breton (15 months ago)
A historic place too bad that everything is explained by video and others ..... lack of human warmth. The + is the fish exhibition in the Abbey to SEE absolutely, superb, magnificent, it makes you dream.....

Michel F (16 months ago)
An abbey that is worth the detour The guided tour is interesting and allows you to learn more about the history of this building The exhibitions decorate the place Take the opportunity to visit Sorde-l'Abbaye located a few kms away

Lola Valderrama (18 months ago)
It is a wonderful place with an extraordinary collection of perfect Romanesque canines. Art and History. The very nice place Do not miss it. (Despite my bad photos)

Lyly Favmen (2 years ago)
Bel édifice, accueil parfait. Boutique aux prix très convenable. Je recommande le jus de kiwi biologique. Délicieux.

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