Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey is one of the most visited tourist attractions in France, second only to the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles.
Not only does it possess unique architectural features and landscapes, but this place also has a rich history and culture, and is recognized as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey is located on top of a small island in the Bay of Saint-Malo, in northwestern France, 350km from the capital Paris.
The birth of the castle is associated with a legend. Legend has it that the island, formerly known as Mont-Tombe (Tomb Island), was connected to the mainland by a natural sandbar, which only emerged at low tide and disappeared at high tide, creating the image of a beautiful oasis in the middle of the vast ocean and sky.
At that time, Bishop Aubert, who governed the Avranches district, dreamed three times that Saint-Michel appeared to him and asked him to build a chapel on this island.
In 708, Bishop Aubert decided to build a small chapel, dedicated to Saint Michel, according to a dream, and renamed the island Mont-Saint-Michel.
Over thousands of years, the small chapel has developed into the Mont-Saint-Michel monastery, which has witnessed many historical ups and downs.
After the monastery burned down twice in 992 and 1204, in the early 13th century, King Phillip Auguste decided to rebuild a new structure in the Gothic style, which remains almost intact to this day.
On the island's solid granite foundation, the monastery buildings are solidly built in the Gothic architectural style of pointed arches, many round columns, and large windows, often seen in many ancient churches and palaces in Europe.
The towers are connected by a circular colonnade surrounding a large skylight, with a cool green grass background.
Inside the monastery, visitors can admire ancient statues, reliefs, unique embroidered flags, and elaborate carvings, such as the statue of Saint-Michel defeating the evil dragon, or the wall relief depicting Saint-Michel appearing in Bishop Aubert's dream...
Located at an altitude of about 80m above sea level, Mont-Saint-Michel abbey looks like a giant lighthouse facing the Atlantic Ocean at high tide.
But at low tide, the monastery looks like a towering fortress on the beach.
The only way to get to the island is through two small gates connected by a suspension bridge that can be pulled up by a pulley system, to guard against enemy attacks. The high, sturdy wall, with a walkway in the middle, is built of large stone slabs, surrounding the island like an “impregnable” fortress.
The main road from the foot of the mountain to the monastery is called "Grande Rue" (Big Street) but it is very small, narrow and steep. On both sides are ancient houses with bold 15th-16th century architectural style, built close together to form a cozy little neighborhood. There are also many restaurants with unique architectural decoration and unique local cuisine.
In 1979, Mont-Saint-Michel was recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site for its long-standing historical and cultural value, as well as the unique harmony between Gothic architecture and beautiful nature.
Today, this famous abbey welcomes about 3 million visitors each year and has become one of the most visited tourist attractions in France, after the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles.
TH (according to Vietnam+)Source
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