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Abbaye aux Dames

Abbaye aux Dames
About

The Abbaye aux Dames, founded around 1060 by Matilda of Flanders, wife of William the Conqueror, is a jewel of Norman Romanesque architecture dedicated to the Holy Trinity. Consecrated in 1066, it was home to a Benedictine community for over seven centuries and is the final resting place of Queen Matilda, whose tomb lies in the choir beneath a black Tournai marble slab. The 18th‑century convent buildings, with their elegant neoclassical interiors and cloister, replaced the medieval structures and now house the Regional Council of Normandy. Highlights include the richly carved capitals of the apse, the crypt of Saint Nicholas with its forest of columns, and the surrounding five‑hectare park offering panoramic views over Caen. Once a convent, garrison, hospital, and hospice, the abbey has been meticulously restored and today welcomes visitors for guided tours, exhibitions, and cultural events, preserving its legacy as both a spiritual landmark and a living part of the city’s heritage.

Caen France
Location

The Abbaye aux Dames in Caen, also known as the Abbey of Sainte-Trinité, is located on Place Reine Mathilde in the heart of the city. Founded around 1062 by Matilda of Flanders, wife of William the Conqueror, this Benedictine abbey is a masterpiece of Norman Romanesque architecture, renowned for its impressive crypt with 16 columns and an 18th-century convent surrounded by French-style gardens. The abbey church is the burial place of Queen Matilda and showcases intricately carved capitals and fan-shaped vaults in the cloisters. Today, the abbey houses the Regional Council of Normandy and offers guided tours that explore 950 years of history. Nearby, the abbey is close to prominent landmarks including Caen Castle, the Abbaye aux Hommes, and several art galleries, placing it at the center of Caen’s rich historical and cultural district.

Le Mémorial de Caen Le Mémorial de Caen Caen Musée de Normandie Musée de Normandie Caen Musée des Beaux-Arts de Caen Musée des Beaux-Arts de Caen Caen Musée d’Initiation à la Nature Musée d’Initiation à la Nature Caen Galerie R.J Galerie R.J Caen Artothèque de Caen Artothèque de Caen Caen La Galerie 170 La Galerie 170 Caen The Artists Galerie des Arts The Artists Galerie des Arts Caen YellowKorner YellowKorner Caen Galerie Des Sens Galerie Des Sens Caen Théâtre de Caen Théâtre de Caen Caen Le Zénith de Caen Le Zénith de Caen Caen La Comédie de Caen La Comédie de Caen Caen Le Cargö Le Cargö Caen Château de Caen Château de Caen Caen Le Palais Ducal Le Palais Ducal Caen Parc de la Colline aux Oiseaux Parc de la Colline aux Oiseaux Caen Vallée des Jardins Vallée des Jardins Caen Parc Michel d'Ornano Parc Michel d'Ornano Caen Parc Claude-Decaen Parc Claude-Decaen Caen Jardin des Plantes de Caen Jardin des Plantes de Caen Caen Abbaye aux Hommes Abbaye aux Hommes Caen Église Saint-Pierre Église Saint-Pierre Caen Church of Saint-Jean Church of Saint-Jean Caen Manoir des Gens d’Armes Manoir des Gens d’Armes Caen Collégiale du Saint-Sépulcre Collégiale du Saint-Sépulcre Caen Église Saint-Gilles Église Saint-Gilles Caen Restes de l’église Saint-Martin Restes de l’église Saint-Martin Caen Le Dôme Le Dôme Caen

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