Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud, France, Loire Valley
The Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud is one of Europe’s largest monastic complexes, located in the Loire Valley. It was founded in 1101 by Robert d’Arbrissel.
In its early days, the abbey was a double monastery, housing both monks and nuns, and headed by an abbess. The rules of life were strict and based on Benedictine monastic discipline.
Between 1804 – 1963, this abbey also served as a prison and is known to be one of the strictest prisons of France. Some parts of the abbey are still mysterious till today.
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