Fontaine-Guérard Abbey, Radepont, France

At the beginning of the 12th century, there was a simple priory on the site of current abbey. Around 1190, Robert, Earl of Leicester founded the Abbey of Fontaine-Guérard. The nuns joined the order of Cîteaux in 1207 as Daughter-abbey of Clairvaux, but did not receive Abbey status until 1253. By this date, the buildings we see here were complete; the church was consecrated in 1218. Sold for the “national good”, the abbey was then converted as a cotton mill, and then bequeathed in 1937 to the Salvation Army, whose Foundation even now manages the abbey and its restoration.

Fontaine-Guérard Abbey is considered by specialists as one of the finest examples of the Norman Gothic style, the rigor which takes its Cistercian purity. You will discover the nuns' building (chapter house, workroom, and dormitory) and its superb structure, the church, the original chapel modified at the 15th century and the surprising cave cellar. The gardens, including the medicinal one, are currently being restored. Throughout the tourist season, exhibitions and various workshops take place in these building classified “Historic Monument”, offering you exceptional enjoyment.

References:

cister.net

User Reviews

Corinne Servais (2 years ago)
Pas très loin de lyons-la-forêt où j'habite, je passe souvent devant et je peux pas m'empêcher de m'y arrêter pour admirer la filature LEVAVASSEUR , cette cathédrale industrielle de style Néogothique anglaise de 96mde long,26 de large et de 38m ,filature de laine,de coton et d'une manufacture de draps. Prendre des photos ,c'est magnifique,l'été commel'hiver,il y a de la magie dans ce paysage si reposant, d'ailleurs j'y suis allée hier.C'était une superbe balade à côté de l'abbaye Notre- dame de Fontaine Guérard. Je pense y retourner

Sophie Vason (3 years ago)
Magnifique abbaye qui peut être louée pour un mariage, ce qui donne des photos sublimes. A l'étage on peut admirer une jolie vue sur le petit jardin

Philippe Pinault (3 years ago)
Ancienne abbaye partiellement en ruines Tenue en état par une association Un bel endroit de la vallée de la l andelle

Adrien Cebulski (3 years ago)
Le site de l'Abbaye Notre-Dame de Fontaine-Guérard, est tout simplement magnifique

Natasha Adams (7 years ago)
The Abbaye was beautiful, the grounds had many plants. There was a nice kids program, though not 100% accurate because of the recent change in owners. There wasn't any answer key either, but there was a very nice prize!! The person selling tickets was very friendly and answered some of our questions and took our suggestions. The architecture was also very nice, but the main thing was the grounds, including the river passing right next to it and the Fontaine Guerard! Definitely recommended!

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

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Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba

The Mosque–Cathedral of Córdoba, also known as the Great Mosque of Córdoba and the Mezquita is regarded as one of the most accomplished monuments of Moorish architecture.

According to a traditional account, a small Visigoth church, the Catholic Basilica of Saint Vincent of Lérins, originally stood on the site. In 784 Abd al-Rahman I ordered construction of the Great Mosque, which was considerably expanded by later Muslim rulers. The mosque underwent numerous subsequent changes: Abd al-Rahman II ordered a new minaret, while in 961 Al-Hakam II enlarged the building and enriched the Mihrab. The last of such reforms was carried out by Almanzor in 987. It was connected to the Caliph"s palace by a raised walkway, mosques within the palaces being the tradition for previous Islamic rulers – as well as Christian Kings who built their palaces adjacent to churches. The Mezquita reached its current dimensions in 987 with the completion of the outer naves and courtyard.

In 1236, Córdoba was conquered by King Ferdinand III of Castile, and the centre of the mosque was converted into a Catholic cathedral. Alfonso X oversaw the construction of the Villaviciosa Chapel and the Royal Chapel within the mosque. The kings who followed added further Christian features, such as King Henry II rebuilding the chapel in the 14th century. The minaret of the mosque was also converted to the bell tower of the cathedral. It was adorned with Santiago de Compostela"s captured cathedral bells. Following a windstorm in 1589, the former minaret was further reinforced by encasing it within a new structure.

The most significant alteration was the building of a Renaissance cathedral nave in the middle of the expansive structure. The insertion was constructed by permission of Charles V, king of Castile and Aragon. Artisans and architects continued to add to the existing structure until the late 18th century.

Architecture

The building"s floor plan is seen to be parallel to some of the earliest mosques built from the very beginning of Islam. It had a rectangular prayer hall with aisles arranged perpendicular to the qibla, the direction towards which Muslims pray. The prayer hall was large and flat, with timber ceilings held up by arches of horseshoe-like appearance.

In planning the mosque, the architects incorporated a number of Roman columns with choice capitals. Some of the columns were already in the Gothic structure; others were sent from various regions of Iberia as presents from the governors of provinces. Ivory, jasper, porphyry, gold, silver, copper, and brass were used in the decorations. Marvellous mosaics and azulejos were designed. Later, the immense temple embodied all the styles of Morisco architecture into one composition.

The building is most notable for its arcaded hypostyle hall, with 856 columns of jasper, onyx, marble, granite and porphyry. These were made from pieces of the Roman temple that had occupied the site previously, as well as other Roman buildings, such as the Mérida amphitheatre. The double arches were an innovation, permitting higher ceilings than would otherwise be possible with relatively low columns. The double arches consist of a lower horseshoe arch and an upper semi-circular arch.

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