Abbaye Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul de Ferrières-en-Gâtinais

Ferrières-en-Gâtinais

Founded in the 7th century by disciples of the Irish monk Saint Columbanus, the Benedictine abbey of Ferrières reached its height in the 9th century under the abbacy of Alcuin and then of Lupus of Ferrières, who made it a Carolingian intellectual centre nicknamed the "new Athens" for its scriptorium and its library. Kings Louis III and Carloman II were crowned there in 879. The present abbey church, largely rebuilt in the 12th and 13th centuries, was consecrated in 1163 by Pope Alexander III. The site has been listed as a historic monument since 1840.

Getting there : Listed as a historic monument in 1840, free self-guided visit of the site (around 1 h 30); approximate coordinates centred on the Place des Églises, the historic heart of the town

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

Ambient sound