5 SACRED PLACES THAT WERE MORE ABRUPTLY
POPULAR LOCATIONS
Abbey on the water, castles and temples in the rocks, as well as the medieval architecture of these pilgrimage sites carry travelers into the world of fantasy and chivalry.
1. Chapel of St. Michel de Gilche
The chapel was built in 969 on a volcanic mountain 85 meters high. It is laid in memory of the return from the pilgrimage of St. James. From the observation deck near the chapel, stunning panoramas open up for many kilometers around, and the building itself looks more like a good illustration of a royal chivalry than a real church. A steep staircase carved into the rock leads to the temple.
The chapel is located in the municipality of Egiech near the town of Le Puy-en-Velay in France.
The chapel is located in the municipality of Egiech near the town of Le Puy-en-Velay in France.
2. Rocamadour Castle
Another interesting building is located in the French municipality of Rocamadour. In the historic part of the city, the Rocamandur castle and a number of ancient churches are preserved. All buildings are built on rocks and together form an incredibly beautiful complex. The name of the city comes from the name of St. Amadur, who was born here and spent his whole life. His relics were found in 1166, after which the place gained popularity. Many pilgrims come here, many of whom were kings.
The castle offers incredible views of the Alzu River and the city. To the top of Rocamandura, there is a staircase with 14 platforms that symbolize the path and the stops of Jesus Christ during the ascent to Calvary.
The relics of St. Amadur are kept in the temple, carved into the rock, there is also a chapel of the Virgin Mary with a statue of the Black Madonna.
The castle offers incredible views of the Alzu River and the city. To the top of Rocamandura, there is a staircase with 14 platforms that symbolize the path and the stops of Jesus Christ during the ascent to Calvary.
The relics of St. Amadur are kept in the temple, carved into the rock, there is also a chapel of the Virgin Mary with a statue of the Black Madonna.
3. Valentra Bridge
The fortified bridge of the 14th century was built during the Anglo-French Wars in the French city of Cahors. It is laid over the river Lot. Valentre is a 6-arched bridge with three defensive peaked towers for passage. Through it passes the "Road of St. James" - a symbolic route to the place of the alleged burial of the saint in the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. The bridge, as well as a number of attractions of this route, referred to the UNESCO World Heritage .
The city of Cahors has a rich history, and therefore, in addition to the bridge, there are many monuments of medieval architecture. In addition, Cahors wine is one of the centers of winemaking in France.
The city of Cahors has a rich history, and therefore, in addition to the bridge, there are many monuments of medieval architecture. In addition, Cahors wine is one of the centers of winemaking in France.
4. San gimignano
San Gimignano is one of the most picturesque and tourist cities of the Tuscany region in Italy. It is located 50 km from Florence on a steep hill more than 300 meters high. It is believed that it was this area that St. Bernard traveled to Rome. The second longest pilgrimage route passes after San Gimignano, after the "St. James Road". This route - from Canterbury (United Kingdom) to Rome (Italy) - under the name "Franks Road", was most accurately recorded by Archbishop Segeriy Serious in the 10th century.
The hallmark of San Gimignano are the powerful towers of the 14th century, which are located on a hill. And although there are about 10 of them left, it is believed that at first there were 72 of them
The hallmark of San Gimignano are the powerful towers of the 14th century, which are located on a hill. And although there are about 10 of them left, it is believed that at first there were 72 of them
5. Abbey of Mont Saint Michel
Mont Saint-Michel - the abbey is located in the north of France on the eponymous island in the English Channel. The area and the island were named after the Archangel Michael. It is believed that it was on his orders that the monks began to build an impregnable church here. The monastery is more like a castle and rises above the surrounding lands and partly dried up channel. To the rocky abbey with recognizable facades is a bridge on stilts. It is from it that the stunning panorama of the temple on the rocks opens, which cannot be confused with any other.