New Delhi: It goes without saying that France is a beautiful country, and when we look beyond Paris to places like Mont-Saint-Michel, we see how many enthralling sites the country has. Notably, Mont-Saint-Michel is a tidal island and mainland commune in France’s Normandy. Perched on a rocky islet in the middle of vast sandbanks stand the ‘Wonder of the West’, a Gothic-style Benedictine abbey dedicated to the archangel St Michael, and the village that grew up in the shadow of its great walls. In this article, we will learn more about Mont-Saint-Michel.
Mont-Saint-Michel: A dazzling heritage masterpiece in France
Mont-Saint-Michel is a rocky islet and famous sanctuary with medieval walls and towers. The village’s clustered buildings rise above them and the ancient abbey crowns the mount. Its shape is circular and has a granite outcrop. Earlier, it was difficult to reach Mont-Saint-Michel due to fast-rising tides and quicksand. After the construction of the 3,000-foot causeway connecting the island to land, reaching the place has become easier. However, the causeway has become a barrier to the removal of material by the tides.
From Mont-Tombe to Mont-Saint-Michel: The journey
Originally, the name of the island was Mont-Tombe. In the 8th century, St. Aubert, bishop of Avranches, built an oratory there after he had a vision of the archangel St. Michael and since then, the island came to be known as Mont-Saint-Michel. It became a pilgrimage centre in the subsequent years and a Benedictine abbey was constructed in 966. In King Philip II of France tried to capture the place and partly burned it, later compensating by paying for the La Merveille monastery.
In 1256, the island was fortified and it was unconquered during the Hundred Years’ War and the French Wars of Religion. In the 18th century, the fame of the place declined and its monastery was dissolved during the French Revolution. Napoleon I, the famous French emperor used the island as a prison and it remained so until 1863. In 1874, it was classified as a historic monument and restoration work took place.
When did it become a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
In 1979, Mont-Saint-Michel and its surrounding bay became UNESCO World Heritage Site for its importance as a Catholic site and its unique aesthetic. Every year, over three million people visit the place and outside of Paris, it is France’s most-visited tourist attraction. Within the commune, more than 60 buildings are protected as historical monuments.
Mont-Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a captivating tidal island off the coast of Normandy, France. Originally known as Mont-Tombe, its name changed after a vision of St Michael. The island boasts a stunning medieval abbey and village, rising dramatically from the sands. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
