Abbatiale de Saint-Riquier

Saint-Riquier

Founded in the 7th century by the hermit Riquier at Centula, the abbey knew its golden age around 790–800 when Abbot Angilbert, a close associate of Charlemagne, had a group of three churches built there, known only from engravings copied in the 17th century and regarded as a manifesto of Carolingian architecture. Burned in 1131 by Hugh III of Campdavaine, rebuilt between 1257 and 1292 by Abbot Gilles de Marchemont, besieged in 1421 by Philip the Good, plundered and burned in 1475, the abbey church was rebuilt from 1503 under the direction of the master mason Nicolas Léveillé: its 48.80-metre tower-facade, adorned with a Tree of Jesse on the central portal, is one of the masterpieces of Picardy's Flamboyant Gothic. It suffered a further fire in 1554, set by the troops of Philip II; in the 17th century, Abbot Charles d'Aligre had the vaults remade and the church enriched, and in 1731 it received an organ from the abbey of Chartreuve. The nave, 96.60 metres long beneath vaults 24.60 metres high, housed the venerated shrines of Saint Mauguille and Saint Vigor. Listed as early as 1840 (with additions in 1960 and 1965), the abbey is today a departmental cultural centre.

Getting there : In the centre of the village of Saint-Riquier; the abbey, run by the Somme département, houses a cultural centre (exhibitions, festival); abbey church open to visitors.

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound