Mont Saint Michel in France - an island with a height of 78 meters, Benedictine abbey

Mont Saint Michel is a place that seems taken out of a fairy tale. This majestic island, rising 78 meters above the Normandy coast of France, in the Bay of St. Michael's Hill, is one of the most visited places in the country. The real jewel of Mont Saint Michel is the abbey, topped with a statue of Archangel Michael, placed on the church spire, reaching over 155 meters above sea level.

History of Mont Saint Michel

Legend has it that the Archangel Michael appeared to Bishop Aubert of Avranches in 708, ordering him to build an abbey in his honor. Initially a modest chapel, over time it transformed into a huge fortress, attracting pilgrims from all over Europe. Over the centuries, Mont Saint Michel has survived numerous wars, sieges and revolutions, becoming a symbol of perseverance and faith.

Architectural wonders of Mont Saint Michel

The Abbey of Mont Saint Michel impresses not only with its monumental architecture, but also with the technical solutions used during its construction. The lifting mechanism, used in the Middle Ages to transport building materials to the top of the island, is one such solution. It consisted of a gigantic wooden wheel which, like a winch, was powered by human legs.

During the Middle Ages, the abbey served not only as a place of prayer and pilgrimage, but also as a defensive fortress. Thanks to its strategic location, Mont Saint Michel was almost impregnable, which proved its effectiveness during the Hundred Years' War, when the abbey withstood numerous English sieges.

Architecture and tourist attractions

Walking around Mont Saint Michel, you can feel as if time has stopped. The narrow street Grande Rue leads through the picturesque village to the foot of the abbey, passing numerous souvenir shops, restaurants and hotels along the way. Granite walls, underground rooms, stairs, towers and crypts create an extraordinary atmosphere.

The most important places to visit on the island include:

Sala des Hotes – a spacious reception room for important guests.

Sala des Chevaliers – an impressive, four-nave knights' hall, 20 meters long.

Crypte des Gros Piliers – a crypt with 19 massive pillars, each with a circumference of 5 meters.

Cloister over the knights' hall – with 220 exquisite columns.

These places testify to the rich history and unique architecture of Mont Saint Michel, which attract millions of tourists every year.

An island full of secrets and legends

Mont Saint Michel is also a place full of curiosities and legends. This island is cut off from the mainland 53 times a year by the tides, which rise so much that only a narrow causeway about 1.8 km long is accessible. This fascinating phenomenon attracts not only tourists, but also researchers from all over the world.

Mont Saint Michel is the second most popular travel destination in France, after Paris. It is visited annually by over three million people who want to see the chapel of Saint-Michel-au-Péril-de-la-Mer ("Saint Michael in Danger at Sea") towering over the island. This place is especially loved by history and architecture buffs, rivaled only by monuments such as Eiffel Tower and Louvre.

Threats and protection of the island

Today, Mont Saint Michel faces a new challenge - it is in danger of becoming a peninsula due to the deposit of sediment by the tides. Every year, the waves bring as many as 50,000 truckloads of new silt and sand, which changes the landscape of the bay.

To preserve the island, the decision was made to separate Mont Saint Michel from the mainland. This project involves the extraction and removal of 2 million cubic meters of sand from the bottom of the bay, which is expected to cost nearly a quarter of a billion euros. After completion of the works, the island will be connected to the mainland by a two-kilometer glass pedestrian footbridge, which will give it an original, unique character.

Abbey interior and cultural significance

The construction of the abbey took over 500 years, and the granite blocks used to build it were imported from very far away. The historical and cultural value of Mont Saint Michel is invaluable. As many as 61 buildings on the island have been recognized as historical monuments.

Mont Saint Michel is also a place of great spiritual importance. The abbey has been an important pilgrimage site for centuries, and its architecture, combining Romanesque and Gothic styles, is a true masterpiece. In 1979, the island was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, which only confirms its exceptional value.

Spiritual and cultural significance

Mont Saint Michel has attracted pilgrims from various corners of Europe for centuries. In the Middle Ages, it was one of the most important pilgrimage routes, comparable to the road to Santiago de Compostela. Pilgrims often traveled many kilometers to reach the abbey and pay homage to Archangel Michael.

Flora and fauna

Despite the harsh climate, Mont Saint Michel and its surroundings are home to a variety of flora and fauna. At low tides, in the muddy areas of the bay you can meet diverse species of birds and vegetation that have adapted to the changing conditions. It is an ideal place for ornithologists and nature lovers who can observe birds migrating and living in this unique ecosystem.

Culture and art

Mont Saint Michel not only inspires tourists, but also artists and writers. The island has been the subject of many literary, painting and film works. It is also known for organizing various cultural events, concerts and exhibitions that attract artists from all over the world.

Gastronomy

When visiting Mont Saint Michel, it is worth trying local culinary specialties. The island is famous for omelettes, prepared according to a traditional recipe in the La Mère Poulard restaurant, operating since 1888. Another popular dish is frutti di mare, i.e. seafood that is fresh and comes straight from the bay.

Influence on literature and culture

Mont Saint Michel has inspired many famous literary and artistic figures. Victor Hugo, a famous French writer, visited the island many times and described it in his works as the "Pyramid of the Ocean". Its mysterious and mystical atmosphere has also become the background for many historical and adventure novels.

Mysteries and unexplained phenomena

Mont Saint Michel also hides many mysteries and unexplained phenomena. One of them is the legend of the ghosts of knights who supposedly appear on the island during the full moon. There are also reports of secret tunnels and vaults hidden deep beneath the abbey that have never been found.

Conclusion

Mont Saint Michel is a place that everyone should visit at least once in their life. This magical island, with its rich history, extraordinary architecture and breathtaking views, is a true treasure of France. Walking through its narrow streets, visiting the majestic abbey and admiring the changing tides, you can feel the spirit of the past and understand why Mont Saint Michel is so special.

If you are looking for a place that will inspire you and allow you to travel back in time, Mont Saint Michel is the perfect choice. Whether you are a lover of history, architecture or simply beautiful views, this island will surely delight you.