Interesting Places I've Photographed
Mont Saint-Michel
Normandy, France
Topics: Way of Saint James
 |
| Mont Saint-Michel |
N 48° 38.100 W 001° 30.670
Quick Description:
The starting point on
the Way of Saint James through Brittany is the Monastery at Mont
Saint-Michel.
Long Description:
The tidal island of
Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most iconic and visited places in France. It's
narrow streets host over 3 million visitors a year. A 0.5 km causeway connects
the island to the mainland. It can be reached by using a free shuttle bus which
operated continuously during daylight hours. A bridge connecting the island to
the mainland is under construction.
The 247 acre island rises 301 feet above the surrounding bay. It has been a strategic fortified outpost since ancient times. The 8th century Gothic-style Benedictine monastery dedicated to of Archangel Saint Michael occupies the upper reached of the island and can be reached by climbing approximately 300 steps. A small village is contained with the fortified walls at the base of the abbey.
In 933 William I, Duke of Normandy, annexed the Cotentin Peninsula, making the Mont part of Normandy. In 1067, the monastery of Mont-Saint-Michel supported William of Normandy's claim to the throne of England. As a result it was given properties and grounds on the English side of the Channel. During the Hundred Years' War, the fortified island successfully resisted repeated assaults English assaults on the island.
The symbol marking the way of Saint James can be found in the
scallop designs appear throughout the Gothic windows in the Kings Chapel of the
Benedictine Abbey atop Mont Saint-Michel.
The 247 acre island rises 301 feet above the surrounding bay. It has been a strategic fortified outpost since ancient times. The 8th century Gothic-style Benedictine monastery dedicated to of Archangel Saint Michael occupies the upper reached of the island and can be reached by climbing approximately 300 steps. A small village is contained with the fortified walls at the base of the abbey.
In 933 William I, Duke of Normandy, annexed the Cotentin Peninsula, making the Mont part of Normandy. In 1067, the monastery of Mont-Saint-Michel supported William of Normandy's claim to the throne of England. As a result it was given properties and grounds on the English side of the Channel. During the Hundred Years' War, the fortified island successfully resisted repeated assaults English assaults on the island.
 |
| Map of Way of Saint James Routes Through Brittany |
Mont Saint-Michel and the
surrounding area are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
No comments:
Post a Comment