Vézelay Abbey facts for kids
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
|---|---|
The abbey church in Vézelay
|
|
| Location | Burgundy, France |
| Criteria | Cultural: i, vi |
| Inscription | 1979 (3rd Session) |
| Area | 183 ha |
| Buffer zone | 18,373 ha |
The Vézelay Abbey (also known as the Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine) is a famous old church in Vézelay, France. It was built by Benedictine monks between 1120 and 1150. This church is a great example of Romanesque style, known for its beautiful stone carvings and strong design.
Over the years, the building faced challenges. It was damaged by a group called the Huguenots in 1569. Later, it was neglected and suffered more damage during the French Revolution.
In 1979, the church and the hill it stands on were added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. This happened because of their important role in medieval Christian history and their amazing architecture. Inside the Basilica, you can see what are believed to be the relics of Mary Magdalene.
Contents
History of Vézelay Abbey
The Vézelay Abbey was built on land that was once a large Roman estate. This land later belonged to a count named Girart. Early religious buildings here were attacked by invaders like the Moors and Normans.
In the 9th century, the abbey was rebuilt. It became part of the Cluny group of Benedictine monasteries. Vézelay was also an important starting point for pilgrims. These pilgrims were travelers heading to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. This was one of the main routes for religious journeys in France.
The Story of Mary Magdalene's Relics
Around 1050, the monks at Vézelay began to say they had the relics of Mary Magdalene. They claimed these relics were brought from the Holy Land. People believed that Mary Magdalene was a very important saint.
Later, a monk from Vézelay said he found Mary Magdalene's tomb in another place called St-Maximin. The monks at Vézelay then announced that her relics had been moved to their abbey. This made Vézelay a very popular place for pilgrims to visit.
Many people who were freed from captivity brought their chains to the abbey as gifts. These gifts showed how their prayers had been answered. The money from pilgrims helped build the beautiful Romanesque church we see today. Vézelay remained a key pilgrimage site for a long time. However, the claimed relics were destroyed by the Huguenots in the 16th century.
Building and Important Events
To welcome all the pilgrims, a new abbey church was started. It was officially opened on April 21, 1104. But the cost of building was so high that local farmers rebelled and killed the abbot (the head monk).
The church became so crowded that a larger entrance area, called a narthex, was added. This new part was opened by Pope Innocent II in 1132.
Vézelay was also a place where important historical events happened:
- In 1146, Bernard of Clairvaux gave a speech at Vézelay. He encouraged people to join the Second Crusade, a religious war. King Louis VII was there to hear him.
- In 1190, Richard I of England and Philip II of France met at the abbey. They stayed for three months before leaving for the Third Crusade.
- In 1166, Thomas Becket, an important English church leader, gave a sermon at Vézelay. He announced that he was punishing supporters of the English King, Henry II.
The main part of the church, called the nave, was damaged by fire in 1165. It was then rebuilt into the form it has today.
Challenges and Decline
The monks at Vézelay were very protective of their abbey's rights. They often argued with local bishops, counts, and even the larger Cluny Abbey. They also had disagreements with the people of Vézelay who wanted more control over their town.
Vézelay's importance began to lessen in 1279. This was when another place in Provence, called Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, claimed to have found the real body of Mary Magdalene. This new discovery made Vézelay less special as the main shrine for Mary Magdalene in Europe.
Saving the Abbey
After the French Revolution, the abbey was in danger of falling apart. In 1834, a French official named Prosper Mérimée warned that it was about to collapse. He suggested that a young architect, Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, should fix it.
Viollet-le-Duc led a huge and successful restoration project. This work took place between 1840 and 1861. His team replaced many damaged stone carvings. The flying buttresses, which are supports for the church walls, were added by him.
Amazing Sun Alignment
In 1976, a priest named Hugues Delautre made an interesting discovery. He found that the church's design uses the positions of the Earth and the Sun.
Every June, around the time of the summer solstice, something special happens. This is when the sun is highest in the sky. At noon, sunlight shines through the windows high up in the church. This light creates a series of bright spots. These spots line up perfectly along the center of the nave floor. It's like the church itself is a giant sundial!
See also
In Spanish: Basílica de Vézelay para niños
