Each time we are in Collioure we make several day trips to different places around the region. We love to explore the historical sights and places of interest. Our region certainly has no shortage of history, culture and fascinating locations – all within a short distance of our lovely town.
One of our sightseeing adventures this time was to the Abbay de St Michel de Cuxa. First some history - the original Benedictine Abbey was founded in 840. After a series of misfortunate events, including flooding and a changing of hands that ultimately destroyed the abbey, the structure that is currently there was created in 940 and the main alter was consecrated in 974. The age of the abbey is significant since it is the largest preserved pre-Romanesque church in France.
One of our sightseeing adventures this time was to the Abbay de St Michel de Cuxa. First some history - the original Benedictine Abbey was founded in 840. After a series of misfortunate events, including flooding and a changing of hands that ultimately destroyed the abbey, the structure that is currently there was created in 940 and the main alter was consecrated in 974. The age of the abbey is significant since it is the largest preserved pre-Romanesque church in France.
During the French Revolution the building was nationalized and in 1790 the monks were cast out and the building was sold. Eventually due to neglect, the buildings started to deteriorate. The church roof collapsed followed by the northern bell tower in 1838.
Since the buildings were in literal pieces, some of the sculptures were acquired by George Grey Bernard, an American art collector who created a “clositers” exhibit in New York City in 1907. The centerpiece of the museum is a cloister built from the St Michel de Cuxa church.
Since the buildings were in literal pieces, some of the sculptures were acquired by George Grey Bernard, an American art collector who created a “clositers” exhibit in New York City in 1907. The centerpiece of the museum is a cloister built from the St Michel de Cuxa church.
Cloisters Exhibit in New York City
The real version
We walked through the crypt with a Nativity church in the centre. The architectural vaults display characteristics of Romaneque art from the 11th century. Walking through the magnificent cloister we able to marvel at the beautiful horseshoe arches and stone work that leads you into the church.
The church has a long nave and large cross section through the middle that reminded us of the huge churches in Rome. A very beautiful structure that must have been very grand in earlier years.
There is an impressive display of stone artifacts that are labelled and well preserved. There are pieces of the original façade and columns that you can observe and only imagine their original form.
While it isn’t a particularly large site, it is remarkable and a lovely spot to walk around. It was a little chilly the day we were there but it would make for a lovely spot to walk around on a sunny afternoon. Just another fascinating piece of French history that is within easy distance of Collioure.
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