Mount St. Michael, France

Looking from afar, Mont Saint Michael seems like an apparition which inspires imagination. This magical island in the north-east of France, looks like a fairytale.Ancient myths and legends bring you into their wondrous world, but no miracle, no apparition can disturb the view and the fairytale becomes a reality when you climb the stone path.

Bay and rocky island in Normandy, dominated by Benedict monastery and fortified abbey, are one of the best examples of French medieval architecture. They are on UNESCO's global heritage list since 1979, and Mont Saint Michael counts more than three million visitors, while the island itself has only about 40 citizens, 10 of which are priests. Mont Saint Michael is the second most popular tourust destination in France, with over three million visitors annually.

By the end of 19th century, Mont St Michael was linked with a seven kilometer road. The island was called Mont Tomb in the 8th century, because it resembled the elevation of tomb barrow.Legend says that by the  beginning of eight century Archangel Michael appeared in bishop Avranche's dreams asking him to build him a church at the top of Mount Tomb. The poor bishop didn't take the plead seriously, until archangel reminded him the third time by making a hole in his skull. After finally obeying the request, the bishop has lived for many years. 

Church was built in Mon Gargan's spirit on Apennine peninsula, the most popular oracle of this archangel from the 5th century. Future abbey on Mount St Michael had twelve priests back then, but soon it attracted many pilgrims, kings and dukes that  financed monastery. Central building was built from 1017 to 1520, and the main church in 11th century.

 

There were many architectural changes from the eleventh to fifteenth century, some due to wars and some due to weather. By withstanding a thirty-year siege with only hundred and twelve knights, it became a heroic symbol for national resistance. 

However, in 16th century, it lost its religious and military significance and in 1863, it became a prison with unbearable conditions. Many celebrities pressured authorities for the restoration of the abbey in 1874. 

Famous builders achieved in 1897 what we see today, a fine neo-gothic silhouette which was linked to the land next year by artificial bank. In 1969, Mont St Michael not only restored its formal spiritual significance and became one of the most attractive destination in this part of Europe.

Since the mid 2008, up to the and of 2009, Mont St Michael island marked its 1300th birthday. The island has sacral monuments, museums with marital exhibitions, and several shops. As before, there are only forty people living on the island. One family owns the famous ' Mama Poulard', named after the woman that entered the annals of global gastronomy by the end of 19th and the beginning of the 20th century with her famous omelet.

Although the pilgrimage in Mont St Michael was visited by kings Philip The Handsome and Francois the First, it was and still is the holly place for modest population, as if floating between sand and waves sky and earth, nature and time. 

Enjoy!

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