With its rich artistic and cultural heritage, the only visit toAbbey of Saint-Pierre de Solesmes is already moving, but you will be totally transcended by attending a Office of Gregorian chants proposed by the sixty monks who now occupy the premises.
While many monuments now open their doors to visitors for their legacy alone, places such as the Abbey of Saint-Pierre de Solesme, which perpetuate their original vocation, guarantee a particularly moving discovery. At 10 am every day, the priests thank their immense talent by offering a Conventual Mass sung (duration 1h15, 1h45 on Sundays and holidays). The heritage of the past centuries combined with the particular acoustics of the abbey church promises you unforgettable moments full of emotions. The abbey is nowadays one of High places of Gregorian chant.Gregorian chants are not the only cultural treasures of the Abbey of Solesmes', since the site has numerous works of art, to name only the sculptures representing the Numerous saints of Catholicism. Real relief paintings are offered to visitors. The organ, located at the end of the church, has a total of 39 stops and is inspired by the great organs of the northern part of Europe.
Located three kilometers from Sablé-sur-Sarthe, overlooking the river that crosses the region and boasting impressive architecture, Saint-Pierre de Solesmes abbey is composed of several buildings in addition to the main church.The priory, the chapter house and the cloister are organized around a magnificent interior garden where silence reigns. Carved very precisely in the manner of the most beautiful French gardens, this garden symbolizes the order that reigns in the abbey.
This place, located a twenty-minute drive from the Château des Briottières, is perfect for completely disconnecting from modernity. Many personalities such as the anonymous ones come to retreat there. Outside the buildings is another garden kept out of sight thanks to the trees that stand there. Back in the church, take some time to admire the stained glass windows that filter daylight in a mystical way. At the library, more than 200,000 volumes are referenced. Some particularly rare books are real treasures.
Abbey of Saint-Pierre de Solesmes 1, Place Dom Guéranger 72300 Solesmes
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