Mont Saint Michel
Mont Saint Michel is an island lying in the Channel Department of Normandy, which belongs to the northwestern coast of France. It is an unusually beautiful fortress. In 1879, this area was connected to the coastline by a two-kilometer dam. Mont Saint Michel is the most visited tourist attraction in France, next to Paris. Since 1979, it has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The uniqueness of this structure lies in the fact that it is located on a cliff island and rises 78.8 m above sea level.
There is a legend about the formation of the rocky island of Mont Saint Michel. If you believe her, then these rocks were dragged here by giants – Gargantua's mother and father. And the second more plausible version is a change in the coastline as a result of a severe storm at the beginning of the XX century. It was then that the forests and meadows that were located here went under the water, and two hills were transformed into a rocky island, which were named Mont Saint-Michel – big and Tombelin – small.
There is more than one legend among the people about the formation of the wonderful Mont Saint-Michel castle here. According to the most common one, in 708, the Archangel, who appeared to Archbishop Aubert when he was asleep, ordered a church to be built on a rock, but he ignored the message, which was repeated to him more than once. In the end, Archangel Michael, as legend has it, hit the archbishop on the forehead with his finger, which left a hole. It was then that he gave the command to start construction.
The construction of the monastery was delayed for centuries (from XI to XVI). Its owners have changed many times during this time. Vikings, monks, and kings lived here. This motionless castle has withstood many sieges, attempts to conquer and destroy. Once he even withstood a 30-year blockade. He survived the war between France and England, and, not submissive, went down in history.
During the French Revolution (1792), the monastery became a prison, all the monks were expelled, and the abbey's belongings were used to pay off debts.
Decades later, the castle was restored, and in 1863 it was opened to tourists.
You can enter the castle by passing through the Royal Gate, which is open to travelers. Tourists are simply delighted with the architectural structure in such an unusual place. Mont Saint-Michel Castle is also famous for its tides, which transform it into an island twice a year. At this time, the sandy area that surrounds the castle is filled with water as much as 10 meters up. When the sea recedes, 25 km is observed here. sushi.
Every year, the abbey hosts a service attended by both parishioners and ordinary tourists. This temple is considered a spiritual center, although it lost this role in 1790.
About 2 million people visit Mont Saint-Michel Castle in France every year. Hotels, cafes, souvenir shops are open for tourists here.
