The Ruins of the Jumieges Abbey

The history of religion has left us many great wonders over the course of time.  Scattered across the Earth and of many faiths, countless testaments to people’s spiritual beliefs have been raised.  Many of these have survived to the present day in much the same condition as when they were first built, though the vast majority have fallen.  One amazing ruin that dates back many centuries is that of the Jumieges Abbey in Normandy, France.  Located in a small village of the same name, this marvel barely escaped complete destruction on more than one occasion.

Jumieges is a Benedictine abbey that was first founded in 654 by Saint Philbert.  It grew rapidly, reaching a population of more than 700 monks and 1500 lay brothers within a half-century.  As it grew, it also grew wealthy, a fact that was not lost on the Vikings.  From the mid-9^th to the mid-10^th century, they plundered it on many occasions.  Though destroyed, the abbey was rebuilt in the 11^th century and regained much of its former glory.  Finally, the French Revolution would come and the abbey would be left a torn up shell.  Sold for materials in the late 18^th century, it was rescued just in time by those who wished to preserve it.

What exists today is the result of the efforts of many restorations and reconstructions.  Most of it lies in ruins, though some parts of the abbey are more intact than others.  When visiting, one can see the old, reconstructed gatehouse, the remnants of towers reaching 150-feet high, the church façade and parts of the cloisters and library.  The entire site is remote and surrounded by nature.  Thanks to the dedication of its caretakers, the ruins are well cared for into modern times.

Jumieges Abbey is open year round, though the hours are longer during the summer months.  Some nights they even hold events at the abbey ruins, though you’d have to check on when these occur.  For a nice gallery of photos of the ruin, you can head over to this site.

Jumieges ruins courtesy of Demeester