abbeys

Begun in 1163, Fossanova is considered a magnificent example of Cistercian architecture, reflecting that of Clairvaux.

The imposing Basilique St-Denis is notable for its early Gothic architecture and its history as a burial site of French monarchs.

This Neoclassical church was originally part of an abbey dedicated to St. Genevieve, but since the 18th century it has served primarily as a burial place for French heroes.

Boasting a spectacular location in the Pyrenees mountains of southern France, the 11th-century abbey of Saint-Martin-du-Canigou has wonderful views, rustic stone architecture, and an excellent collection of Romanesque sculpture.

Founded in 1148, the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque is a lovely Cistercian abbey and one of the best places to see Provence's famed lavender fields. Its austere and harmonious Romanesque church was completed in 1178.

Famed for its Romanesque sculpture, the 12th-century basilica of Vezelay Abbey is the largest Romanesque church in France. It attracted many medieval pilgrims thanks to its relics of Mary Magdalene.

This attractive and important Romanesque church on the Loire River has been a major place of pilgrimage since 673, when the relics of St. Benedict were brought here from Montecassino.

Pershore Abbey was founded in the 7th century and came under the Benedictine rule around the 10th century. Only about half of the abbey church survives, which is now used as a parish church.

An impressive example of Baroque architecture, the Abbey of St. Florian is built around the grave of its namesake, the patron saint against fire and flood.

Founded by a Saxon princess, this abbey hosted an important church council and was powerful throughout the Middle Ages. Today, it is an evocative ruin on a windswept cliff overlooking the North Sea.

Dore Abbey is a former Cistercian abbey church built around 1180, which impressive dimensions and decoration, even without its nave. Like most Cistercian abbeys, it has an exceptionally scenic setting.

One of the largest and most important buildings of the Middle Ages, Cluny Abbey now survives only in one great transept, two cloisters, and a few foundations.