Mont Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is one of France's most iconic landmarks, known for its stunning architecture and dramatic setting on a rocky island in Normandy. Its history spans over a millennium and is closely tied to both religious devotion and military strategy.

1. Early History and Foundation (8th Century)

• Origins: The site of Mont Saint-Michel has been significant since ancient times. Before the construction of the abbey, the island was known as Mont Tombe and was a place of pagan worship.

• Christianization: In 708 AD, according to legend, the Archangel Michael (Saint Michel in French) appeared to Aubert, the bishop of Avranches, instructing him to build a church on the rocky outcrop. Aubert initially ignored the vision, but after the third apparition, where Michael supposedly burned a hole in Aubert’s skull with his finger, he began construction of a small church. This marked the beginning of Mont Saint-Michel as a Christian site.

2. Development as a Monastic Centre (10th - 12th Century)

• Benedictine Abbey: In 966, the Duke of Normandy, Richard I, established a Benedictine abbey on Mont Saint-Michel. The island soon became a major pilgrimage site, and the monastic community grew in influence and wealth.

• Romanesque Architecture: During the 11th century, the abbey church was constructed in the Romanesque style. Despite the difficult terrain, the monks managed to build impressive structures, including the abbey church at the peak of the island, supported by powerful crypts.

3. The Gothic Transformation (12th - 16th Century)

• Expansion: In the 12th and 13th centuries, Mont Saint-Michel saw significant architectural developments. The abbey adopted the Gothic style, leading to the construction of the Merveille (Marvel), a series of stunning buildings on the northern side of the island, including the refectory, cloister, and dormitory.

• Hundred Years’ War: Mont Saint-Michel played a crucial role during the Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453) between England and France. Its strategic location made it an important military fortification. The English besieged the island multiple times, but it was never captured due to its formidable defences and the surrounding tidal waters.

4. Decline and Use as a Prison (17th - 19th Century)

• Religious Decline: By the 17th century, the abbey began to decline as fewer monks joined the community, and it suffered from neglect. The abbey was eventually closed during the French Revolution (1789-1799), and Mont Saint-Michel was converted into a prison for political prisoners and clerics who opposed the new regime.

• Napoleon's Era: Under Napoleon I, the site continued to function as a prison, holding up to 700 prisoners at a time. The harsh conditions and the dilapidation of the abbey led to calls for its preservation.

5. Restoration and Modern Era (19th Century - Present)

• Restoration Efforts: In 1874, the prison was closed, and Mont Saint-Michel was declared a historic monument. Significant restoration efforts began, led by the famous architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, who restored many parts of the abbey and its surrounding structures.

• Tourism and UNESCO: Mont Saint-Michel became a major tourist destination in the 19th and 20th centuries. In 1979, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its cultural and historical significance.

• Ongoing Preservation: In recent years, efforts have been made to restore Mont Saint-Michel's natural maritime setting. In 2015, a new bridge was completed, replacing the causeway that had caused silting around the island, allowing the tides to once again surround the mount and enhance its island character.

6.  Cultural and Symbolic Importance

• Mont Saint-Michel has long been a symbol of French national pride, resilience, and faith. It has been the inspiration for countless artists, writers, and even modern architects, and it remains a pilgrimage site to this day.

7. Mont Saint-Michel - 10 intriguing facts:

• Disappearing Island - Tidal Phenomenon:

Mont Saint-Michel becomes an island at high tide and is accessible by foot at low tide. The difference between high and low tide can be as much as 14 meters (46 feet). The tides can come in at a rapid pace, often described as "coming in as fast as a galloping horse."

• Unexplained Shadow of the Archangel Michael - Legend of the Shadow:

There is a local legend that on certain days, the shadow of the Archangel Michael, who stands atop the abbey's spire, can be seen mysteriously hovering over the bay, even when there is no obvious source of light causing the shadow.

• Miraculous Source of Water - The Miraculous Well:

In the middle of Mont Saint-Michel, there is a well that never runs dry, even during droughts. Known as "Saint Aubert's Well," it is said to have been created by the Archangel Michael himself when he appeared to Saint Aubert in 708 AD.

• Ghosts of the Prisoners - Haunted by Its Past:

When Mont Saint-Michel was used as a prison during and after the French Revolution, many prisoners suffered in harsh conditions. Some locals and visitors claim that the spirits of those prisoners still haunt the island, particularly in the dungeons and lower levels of the abbey.

• The Mysterious Skull of Saint Aubert - Hole in the Skull:

The skull of Saint Aubert, the bishop who founded Mont Saint-Michel, is preserved in the Saint-Gervais Basilica in Avranches. It has a mysterious hole in it, which, according to legend, was caused by the Archangel Michael pressing his finger into Aubert's head when the bishop ignored his vision.

• Inescapable Mudflats - Deadly Quicksands:

Surrounding Mont Saint-Michel are extensive mudflats that become treacherous during the changing tides. These mudflats can act like quicksand, trapping those who venture too far. Historically, many pilgrims and visitors have been trapped and even perished in the mud.

• World's Smallest "Grand Rue" - Tiny Main Street:

Mont Saint-Michel has a main street called "Grand Rue," but despite its grand name, it's one of the narrowest and shortest streets you'll ever find. The entire street is lined with tiny shops and restaurants catering to tourists, but it's so narrow that it can become very crowded during peak times.

• The Abbey’s Hidden Alchemy Symbols - Mystical Symbols:

Throughout the abbey, particularly in the cloisters and the crypt, you can find strange alchemical and mystical symbols carved into the stone. These symbols have led some to speculate that the monks who lived there may have been involved in alchemy or other esoteric practices.

• The Sacred Goose - Feathered Guardian:

In medieval times, there was a legend that a sacred goose guarded Mont Saint-Michel. This goose was believed to have been sent by the Archangel Michael and would alert the monks to danger by honking loudly. No one knows what happened to this mysterious bird, but the legend persists.

• The Lost Library - Disappearing Manuscripts:

Mont Saint-Michel was once home to a vast library of medieval manuscripts, many of which were copied by the monks in the scriptorium. However, during the French Revolution, most of these precious manuscripts disappeared, and their whereabouts remain unknown. Some believe they were hidden to protect them, while others think they were lost or destroyed.

Conclusion

Mont Saint-Michel's history is a blend of religious devotion, architectural achievement, and strategic importance along with the addition of a significant number of legends and mysteries to add to its enigmatic aura.

Its unique location and stunning design have made it one of the most visited and revered sites in France, attracting millions of visitors each year. The combination of natural beauty and human ingenuity at Mont Saint-Michel continues to captivate and inspire people from all over the world.