Abbaye de Saint-Hilaire - Cloisters by Beausoleil Star this if you like it!

At the beginning of the 9th century, a charter from Louis le Débonnaire confirmed to Monellus, the Abbot of St Hilaire, a donation from Charlemagne and authorized the monks to elect their abbot. This established a Benedictine monastery. In 970 the relics of Saint Hilaire were transferred to the Abbey under Abbot Benoît in the presence of Roger 1st, Count of Carcassonne, and his wife; Bishop Françon of Carcassonne and the Abbot of St Michel de Cuxa. There were the usual troubles during the Cathar period and the abbey was finally sold to the town and is a tourist site today. Various restorations have taken place and the history is fascinating.

Share