The Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel, France
The nave and Choir of the church Sitting at the top of the island of Mont Saint-Michel is the reason for all the crowds - The Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel au Péril de la Mar (Mount Saint Michael at the peril of the Sea). With a history that spans over 1400 years, this church draws visitors from around the world. Waiting to enter the abbey According to legend, the Catholic Church established a series of oratories on the island of Mont Saint-Michel as far back as the early 8th century. While not consecrated churches, there were places of contemplation and prayer. During the 9th century, Charlemagne chose Mont Saint-Michel as a protector of his empire and had the first idea of building a church here. The transcript crossing was originally constructed in 1066 at the top of the island, 80 m (265 ft) above the bay. Constructing a church in this spot was not easy. The area was not large enough for a full church, so other buildings had to be built to support the structure of the nave and...