Saorge Monastery, Saorge, France

Saorge was a stronghold of strategic significance defending the road between Nice and Turin via the Col de Tende mountain pass. Recollect Franciscan monks founded a monastery there in 1633, at the time of the Catholic Reformation. Today it overlooks the village and waterfalls of La Roya at the gateway to Mercantour.

The cloister and the refectory contain examples of exceptional painted decoration dating from the 17th and 18th centuries: frescoes depicting the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, allegories of the virtues, sundials and trompe-l’œil features. The church still has its original furniture and magnificent wood carvings. The building is a fine example of the balance between Baroque and sobriety typical of the Franciscan Order.

The harmonious surroundings are set off by huge terraced grounds featuring an orchard and kitchen garden, looking out on to wonderfully untouched mountains.

Occupied by Franciscans until 1988, today the monastery is a residence for writers.

Trencín Castle

Trenčín Castle is relatively large renovated castle, towering on a steep limestone cliff directly above the city of Trenčín. It is a dominant feature not only of Trenčín, but also of the entire Považie region. The castle is a national monument.

History of the castle cliff dates back to the Roman Empire, what is proved by the inscription on the castle cliff proclaiming the victory of Roman legion against Germans in the year 179.

Today’s castle was probably built on the hill-fort. The first proven building on the hill was the Great Moravian rotunda from the 9th century and later there was a stone residential tower, which served to protect the Kingdom of Hungary and the western border. In the late 13th century the castle became a property of Palatine Matúš Csák, who became Mr. of Váh and Tatras.

Matúš Csák of Trenčín built a tower, still known as Matthew’s, which is a dominant determinant of the whole building.

Annie (9 months ago)
Haven’t been since 2017 but was telling someone about this place. Getting here on the train is such an experience it’s amazing - the walking around this beautiful town is not for those who don’t like hills

PRANAVAM prinsu (10 months ago)
Good

Tatjana Vinogradova (3 years ago)
Very nice

Emily (3 years ago)
Really beautiful with great views. Definitely visit if you're in/ near Menton.

Saorge Monastery

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Trencín Castle