Classified as world heritage UNESCO
Undeniable masterpiece of romanesque art
High place of pilgrimage
Classified as world heritage UNESCO
High place of pilgrimage |
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A high place of christianity since the Middle Ages, Vézelay, much visited due to the cult of saint Magdalen relics, became a meeting point for the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella in Spain. In 1146, Saint Bernard preached the Second crusade there. Philip Augustus and Richard the Lion Heart met here before embarking on the third crusade in 1190. The king Saint Louis loved to retire within himself to Vézelay. The 13th century saw Vézelay's reputation fade "someone was said to have discovered the true relics of Mary Magdalen in saint Maximin in Provence" In 1537, the abbey was deconsacreted and monks were replaced by "chanoines". In the 16th century during the wars of religion, Vézelay was the theatre of serious confrontations. The Revolution didn't have mercy on the town and the abbey was sold as a national property in 1796. Saved from ruin and oblivion in the 19th century by the architect Viollet-le-Duc, the saint Magdalen basilica remains an undeniable masterpiece of romanesque art. Looking down upon the valley of the river Cure, an edifice over the Morvan is visible afar as if arising suddenly from the fields and vineyards. |
| The medieval town has preserved its ramparts, its gates and its battlement. The main street leading to the church is bordered by 15th, 16th and 18th century houses and pleasently leads the visitors along to the square and the terrace of the former castle where one may discover a remarkable panoramic view. The Village Vézelay's delights are worth seeking out. Those who wander through it with an enquiring eye, who take the trouble to uncover lovingly each detail, each stone and ray of light be bound ever closer to the "Eternal Hill" The medieval village covers one side of the hill, forming a stone setting for the jewel that is the Basilica. Wandering through its narrow, winding alleys past old houses built over huge cellars, visitors to Vézelay will begin to understand its mystery. |
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Romanesque houses, such as
Centre Sainte Madeleine and the Maison des Ursulines,
stand side by side with Renaissance dwellings exemplified
by the Maison Théodore de Béze, and 17th and 18th
century buildings, example of which are the Hôtel de
Ville and the Maison du Pontot. Going up the streets
saint Etienne and saint Pierre, you discover shops and
storehouses, art galleries, restaurants and "cafés"…
The path then becomes less steep, the view becomes wider
and the enchanting "barque that has dropped anchor
on the horizon" (Paul claudel), the church of Saint
Magdalen, comes into view. |
Avisit to the
terrace of the former abbot's château unveils further
treasures : the ramparts encircling the town and a
panoramic view intersected by the Cure valley with gently
sloping chalk buttresses to the North and the wooded
heights of the Morvan to the South. |
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The Basilica Saint Magdalen undeniable masterpiece of romanesque art The Basilica was originally a simple Benedictine monastery founded in the 9th century by Girard de Roussillon. Because of the relics it sheltered, Vézelay Abbay became a major shrine in the Middle Ages. Its façade is restrained and humble and its plan simple : a Latin cross An impression of its size can be gained by walking around the building; it is more than 120 meters long. " The narthex or antechamber (1140), an assembly point for pilgrims, who prepared themselves in the shadows for entry into the light of the nave. " The nave (1120), 18 meters in heigh, is made up of 10 bays equally divided by light and dark transverse ribs. On each of the pillars, historiated capitals represent biblical scenes and the lives of saints. " the gothic choir (late 12th century), the source of light, is surmounted by a triforium. " The Carolingian crypt, under the altar, encloses Mary Magdalen's relics. " The transept is prolonged on the southern side by the chapter house and the 13th century cloister. |
| he Basilica
is open all year round. Free entrance. Church services are sung (polyphony in four voices) by the Monastic brotherhood of Jerusalem The Saint Madeleine pilgrimage takes place annually on 22nd July. To get informations about guided visits of basilica and town, see section "Guided visits". Information : secrétariat de la basilique tél : 03 86 33 39 50 - fax : 03 86 33 36 93 |
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