As you approach the village from a distance, the Benedictine abbey with its two bell towers stands out. It was founded in 780 by the abbot Anian (not to be confused with Saint Benoit d’Anian, founder of the Order of Saint Benedict) on the site of a former gallo-roman agricultural estate called “Villa Bufintis”.
The Caunes saints, Amand, Luce, Alexandre et Audalde, are first mentioned in 982. Numerous pilgrims come to make offerings and celebrate their faith which remains intact today.
Through the centuries, the abbey has survived periods of growth and decline and the tumult of the Albigensian Crusades.
The abbey residence was built in the 17th century on the orders of the abbey Jean d’Alibert. Attachment to the Saint Maur congregation in 1659 brought about a renewed observation of monastic discipline which had until then been rather neglected. Reconstruction of parts of the building was undertaken at the same time.
The monastery at Caunes was closed in 1790 as a result of the suppression of religious orders after the Revolution.
The abbey church (owned by the abbey) became the parish church (owned by the commune) and a lengthy dormant period ensued.
The abbey has lasted through the centuries from the original 8th century Carolingian church to the enlargement of the apse in the 12th century and redevelopment during the 17th century. Major restoration work was begun in the early 1990s and will continue in stages for many years to come.
For further information: call 04 68 78 09 44
email to abbaye@caunesminervois.com
fax : 04 68 78 09 44
February to April and October to December: 10am - 12 noon and 2pm – 5pm
May, June and September: 10am – 12 noon and 2pm – 6pm July and August – 10am – 7pm
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| 4,50 € | 2,00 € | 3,50 € |
