In repentance for marrying, cousins William the Conqueror and Mathilda of Flanders ordered Abbaye aux Dames built along with its neighbor, Abbaye aux Hommes (Men's Abbey). The women's abbey was dedicated to the Holy Trinity. Each church is considered one of the most notable Romanesque buildings in Normandy. Built in Caen stone during the 11th century, both churches had the ribbed vault, used for the first time in France, added to them in about 1120. Add Abbaye aux Dames to your Caen travel itinerary, and discover new vacation ideas by using our Caen online journey planner.
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Abbaye aux Dames reviews
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Both Abbeys in Caen - the Men and this Women were built for the same reason in the second half of 11 c: to obtain Pope's blessing for William and Matilda get married, as their kinship was considered..... more
Both Abbeys in Caen - the Men and this Women were built for the same reason in the second half of 11 c: to obtain Pope's blessing for William and Matilda get married, as their kinship was considered..... more »
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Of the 2 abbeys this one is brighter and of course more feminine! On the walls around the tomb of Queen Matilda, William’s wife, there are small tapestries of various female saints. The exterior is...
Of the 2 abbeys this one is brighter and of course more feminine! On the walls around the tomb of Queen Matilda, William’s wife, there are small tapestries of various female saints. The exterior is... more »
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Beautiful Roman Abbaye in Caen, very much worth the stop in through. Commissioned by Queen Mathilda, wife of William the Conqueror, this (and the Abbeye des Hommes) has a fascinating history. Commissioned essentially to assuage the Pope and religious community regarding their too close marriage (cousins several times removed I believe), Queen Mathilda is nevertheless buried here, at the centre of the church.
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Historically fascinating, but not much to see compared to Aux-Hommes down the road. However, I highly recommend coming around 11:30am. The sunlight through the stained glass in the back is incredible, a bright romantic pink. Currently on exhibition around the tomb of Mathilde are embroideries of female saints; curiously missing is Joan, who I thought for sure would merit a place.
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