Mont Saint Michel France: Explore Interior Abbey Cloister
The plain classical facade of Le Mont Saint Michel dating back to the 13th century hardly gives any hint of the interesting interior, abbey, cloister and more such facts.
It faces west overlooking the sea. The interior is simple, no colored glass panes. The windows have pale green glass panes with simple designs.
Though simple in frames they definitely look elegant and light up the interiors very well. On a bright day, the light flooding in through these glass panes will definitely make a heavenly sight.
Saint Michel Interior: Photo Essay
Mont Saint Michel France – Interior
To support the massive weight of the steepled church at the top of a mountain and to give a strong foundation many underground crypts and chapels had to be built.
The columns in the cloister have impressive dimensions and at the top are the criss-crossed arches (providing strength to the roof I guess).
Interior doesn’t have any modern touch or facelift (thankfully) and that has retained its old charm and mystique.
Pilgrim or tourist, as you move from room to room hearing the stories, you recreate and imagine the stories and you are bound to leave the place enchanted.
Giant Wheel in Abbey St Michel
The giant tread-wheel in the Abbey was the most precious and useful tool in the absence of technology then. The inhabitants then used this to haul boulders, food supplies and other essential things from landing below. It was used till as recently as end of 19th century.
Something similar can be seem in monasteries of Meteora in Greece, Varlaam Monastery.
1200 years of glorious history, unfortunately not much remains. Time and tide has worn off much of it!
Glory of the monastery declined in the 18th century. By the time it was dissolved during French Revolution only 7 monks were living there.
The various statues of saints and depictions of bible scenes were damaged during wars. Slabs of precious work that have escaped wars’ fury are put up on display there.
Original windows have all succumbed to natural calamities like storms and lightning, and also to human caused miseries like wars and fires.
If you are planning to visit, do check: Tips to Visit Le Mont St Michel France
Cloister, Le Mont St. Michel
The only bright patch we saw at Le Mont St. Michel was the cloister roof garden. The flowers were just beginning to bloom and under the dull sky that day, the bright green patch cheered us.
The walkway around the garden was for the monks. And tourists today walk the same pathway where monks once strolled, prayed and meditated. Ideal place to contemplate on life!
One does feel a sense of peace!
The cloister is lined with two layers of columns instead of single thick columns. This arrangement enhanced the inflow of light. The staggered pattern of the columns makes photography of these parts very interesting. The arches are sculpted with designs of flowers and owls. The dormitory, church, kitchen, stairways could be accessed from here.
The abbey church façade looked magical through the columns of the cloister.
One can’t resist looking up all the time and click the amazing structure standing so high and majestic.
Check this: Visit to Mont St Michel France, Pyramid of the Seas
The outlines of gargoyles made the sight even more interesting. You get models of these gargoyles as souvenirs at the shops lined along the street Grande Rue.
The yellow patches on the surface of the stone complex gives away the age and this makes it more mysterious, monstrous, yet magnificent.
Just think of this: The Mont was used to imprison enemies of the crown until Emperor Napoleon III shut it down in 1863.
These ramparts are the best place to position yourself to watch the natural phenomena of tides rolling in and out.
You captured the details of the Church interior so well.
Oh my!! Fabulous building…love the ceiling and the arches
And you captured it's presence so well
Hugs
SueAnn
Looks wonderful!
The columns and arches are unmistakably Europe! Enjoyed them.
Very creative shots of a magnificent edifice ~
A Creative Harbor) aka ArtMuseDog and Carol ^_^
It looks a magnificent churh. I love the columns and arches. You cannot help but admire the architecture and building skills of that time.
Just beautiful…the darkness and little light that come from the giant windows makes it more divine.
Fascinating and lovely!
Great captures!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Indrani, what a beautiful church. The lighting looks lovely coming thru the windows. Thanks for sharing this post. Have a happy week ahead.
Beautifully captured as always!!
Amazing! I love how you capture the statues with the light coming in. Gave a little tint!
Good detail pictures Indrani…..nice place to visit.
Greetings, Joop
Ur descpton is definteley enchanting
Beautiful, Indrani!!! old buildings always have a special charm..
Yeah, these medieval structures are really amazing. The high buildings with intricate delicate art are feast to the eyes!
I believe these are the first pictures of the interior of this church that I have seen. Thank you for sharing these wonderful photos with us.
we feel the AGES!
Aloha
from Waikiki,
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Great descriptions and beautiful pictures, Indrani!The white glasses make this gorgeous structure classic! Very unique interiors!:)
Thanks for sharing..
You almost have to see these gorgeous structures in France and England to really appreciate them. They are so big and so very, very beautiful….and so very old. Your photos are lovely and bring the church to life. genie
Love the details of historical buildings!
Amazing and beautiful indeed! Great shots as always, Indrani! Hope you have a great week!
really beautiful!