Details
Founded: 11th centuryCategory: Religious sites in France
Historical period: Birth of Capetian dynasty (France)
Interesting Sites Nearby
User Reviews
Locmaria Church (L'église Notre-Dame-de-Locmaria) is a fine example of Breton Romanesque architecture. The nave, built in the 11th century, is the oldest part. Two 12th century arches have been also preserved. The church was restored in Gothic style between the 12th and 16th centuries. There is a gallery from the cloister built in 1669 in the garden of the former Benedictine priory.
References:The Gravensteen is a castle in Ghent originating from the Middle Ages. The name means 'castle of the counts' in Dutch. Arnulf I (918–965), Count of Flanders, was the first to fortify this place, building a medieval bastion on this high sand dune, naturally protected by the river Leie and its marshy banks. This bastion consisted of a central wooden building and several surrounding buildings, also in wood.
In the early 11th century, the wooden building was replaced by a stone residence, consisting of three large halls that made up three storeys, connected by a stone stairwell. The monumental stone staircase, the light openings, the fireplaces built into the walls and the latrines were signs of considerable luxury and comfort in those days. There was probably also a tower.