Ancient abbeys are examples of ancient architecture. These are incredibly beautiful cathedrals, which are actively visited by tourists today. It is noteworthy that the architecture of these monastic complexes is fraught with many mysteries for historians. They are decorated with decorations, the elements of which belong to the groups of occult symbols, which is even more interesting for both specialists and tourists. So, the meaning of the word "abbey" and the most interesting ancient monastic complexes, we will consider below.
What is an abbey?
The abbey is a Catholic monastery. Catholics make up the majority of believers in Europe and Latin America. The Catholic Church is a strict hierarchical system headed by the Pope. And the abbots are not the last step in this system.
In the Middle Ages, abbeys were the richest and largest monasteries. They exerted not only religious, but also political and economic influence on the country. So, who is the abbot?
Meaning of the word
It is the abbot (male) or abbess (female) who runs the abbey. They arereport directly to the bishop or even the pope.
Who is an abbot in terms of linguistics? The origin and history of this title is very ancient. The very word "abbot" (in Latin - abbas) has Jewish and Syrian (abba) roots and means father. In Catholicism, this is the name of the abbot of a male Catholic monastery. Initially, in the V-VI centuries. this title was given to all the abbots of the monasteries, however, with the advent of various religious orders, many synonyms for the word "abbot" appeared. Thus, the Carthusians called abbots priors, the Franciscans called guardians, and the Jesuits called rectors.
As a rule, the priest was appointed to the post of rector by the bishop or pope for life.
History of Appearance
The emergence of religious communities goes back to the origins of Christianity. Even then, people gathered around the dwelling of a man known for his holiness. They built houses around this place and voluntarily submitted to this person. Over time, these religious communities began to devote themselves to the service of God.
The medieval abbey is a monastery built like a real fortified town. In addition to the monastery, the complex included multiple buildings. Stables and workshops were built here. The monks planted gardens. In general, there was everything that was needed for subsistence farming. Since lay people also lived in the abbey, the architecture of the monastery provided for their separation from each other.
Over time, the abbeys turned into whole complexes of buildings, in which there were refectories, hospitals, libraries and chapter halls, in whichthe monks held meetings. The abbot had separate chambers. Of course, this overall picture was supplemented by various details, depending on the individual charter of the order.
Since most of the monasteries were often rebuilt as a result of battles, it is difficult to imagine their original appearance. It is known that almost every order was distinguished by its own architectural style, which, alas, sometimes could not be recreated exactly during the restoration.
The first monastic order was called Benedictine. It was founded by Saint Benedict of Nursia in the VI century in Italy. As early as the 8th century, Benedictine monasteries were erected in many parts of Western Europe. By the beginning of the 12th century, the Benedictines wielded enormous power. They ruled their own lands and actively built temples and churches.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey in London is one of the most famous and ancient in the world. Its appearance has hardly changed since its discovery in 1066. The official name of Westminster Abbey is St. Peter's Collegiate Church. The monastery impresses with its majestic splendor, which came from the depths of centuries. The subtle and graceful Gothic style makes it one of the most beautiful monasteries in the world.
The history of Westminster Abbey begins in the 960s and 970s. The Benedictine monks were the first to settle here. They erected a small monastery, but in XII Edward the Confessor ordered to rebuild it, making it larger and more majestic. Westminster Abbey reopens to the publicFebruary 1066.
Since its inception, Westminster Abbey has been the main church in Great Britain. It is here that the monarchs of Britain are crowned and buried. But not only the monks find their last refuge in the monastery - in the so-called "Poets' Corner" famous subjects of the English crown are buried, which include great poets, actors, musicians. In total, there are about 3,000 burials in Westminster Abbey.
Interesting fact! Some of the royal offspring were also married in the abbey. So, Prince Harry married Kate Middleton here.
Bath Abbey
The former Benedictine monastery, and now the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, is located in Bath (a city in England). The abbey is a perfect example of the Gothic architectural style. It is one of the largest British monasteries. Initially, the monastery was supposed to become a female monastery - in 675, the land for the construction of the temple was granted to the abbess Bertha. But later the monastery became a male one.
The abbey enjoyed great influence during its heyday. Later there was an episcopal see, which then moved to Wales. After the reformation, the monastery, which had lost its former influence, was closed, and the land was sold.
Only in the 16th century a parish church was opened here. Elizabeth I ordered the restoration of this church in the Perpendicular Gothic style - this is how it was supposed to look originally, but at that time the abbey did not have enough funds for such a grandiose project.
Abbey of Mont Saint Michel
The abbey is called the eighth wonder of the world. Mont Saint Michel is located in France and is one of the most popular French attractions. On all sides, the abbey, spread out on a rocky island, is surrounded by the sea, and only a dam connects it to the land. Once upon a time, only at low tide was it possible to walk to this majestic structure.
According to legend, these rocks were brought into the sea by giants. Mont Tomb, aka Saint-Michel, carried a giant on his shoulders, and the second rocky hill, Tombelin, was dragged by his wife. However, they got tired and left the rocks near the shore.
The history of this stunningly beautiful monastery begins in the 8th century. It is believed that Archangel Michael himself appeared in a dream to Bishop Ober, ordering him to build a monastery on the island. However, the saint had to visit the bishop twice more before he correctly interpreted his command. That is why the name of the monastery is translated as "mountain of St. Michael".
The abbey was built slowly - it took 500 years to give it its current appearance. Today, only a few dozen people live in the monastery, but more than 3,000,000 tourists visit it every year.
Lerins Abbey
Lerins Abbey is located on the small island of Saint-Honore (Lerins Islands). It is a complex consisting of a huge monastery and seven chapels. Today the abbey is open to tourists and bears the title of historicalmonument of France.
The history of Lerins Abbey is very rich. The island remained uninhabited for a long time, as it was teeming with snakes. The Romans, who at that time ruled on French soil, were afraid to visit him. But in 410 the hermit Honorat of Arelat decided to settle here. He sought to find solitude, but his disciples decided to follow him, forming a small community. Thus began the history of Lérins Abbey. It was Honorat who later compiled the "Rule of the Four Fathers", which later became the first monastic rule in France.
Lerins Abbey has been attacked more than once. So, in 732 the monastery was almost completely destroyed by the Saracens. In 1047 he fell into the power of the Spaniards. During the French Revolution, the monastery was bought by a French actress who turned it into a guest house. But today the monastery, rebuilt by Bishop Fréjus in the nineteenth century, rises majestically on the island and welcomes tourists.
In addition to the monastery itself and the chapels, tourists can visit the museum of historical manuscripts and the cloister (inner courtyard).
Bellapais Abbey
The abbey is located in the village of the same name, just a few miles from Kyrenia. Today, the Bellapais Abbey (in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) is a dilapidated building, but some of its buildings have retained their former appearance. This building is one of the most striking examples of the ancient Gothic culture in Cyprus. Some of the decorative elements have also been preserved. So, touristsenjoy admiring the old church, decorated with frescoes, stairs and columns that have preserved their original architectural style, the refectory (monastic dining room).
Unfortunately, very little is known about this monastery. It was founded by Augustinian monks who arrived from Jerusalem. In 1198, the construction of the monastery of St. Mary of the Mountain began. In the 13th century, the monastery was handed over to the order of demonstrators, who probably built the church that has survived to this day. Since the monks wore white robes, they were informally called the "White Abbey".
Monastery of Saint Gall
The abbey is located in Switzerland, in the heart of the city of St. Gallen. Belongs to the group of the most ancient monasteries in the world. In 612 Saint Gall built himself a cell on the site of the monastery. Later, the Benedictine abbot Otmar built a huge monastery on the site of a small cell, which very quickly began to generate income for the city through donations from we althy parishioners. Until the 18th century, it retained its original appearance. But in the 18th century, the ancient monastery complex was demolished, and a new, even larger and more majestic Baroque monastery was built in its place.
The library is especially valuable on the territory of the monastery. It contains about 160,000 medieval manuscripts. The plan of St. Gall is also kept here, which is an idealized picture of a medieval monastery, painted in the distant 9th century.
Mary Laach Abbey
In the mountains of the Eifel, in Germany, on the shores of Lake Laach, there is a monastery, small, elegant and sophisticated. Founded in 1093 by noble spouses, it still retains its architectural beauty. During the construction of this monastery, several types of stone were used, as a result of which the interior of the monastery is distinguished by unique decorative elements.
Decorated with mosaics depicting floral ornaments and Germanic mythology, the monastery impresses with its graceful beauty. An enclosed garden is attached to the western wing of the facade, which is surrounded by an arched gallery. Such cozy corners are called cloisters and are a distinctive feature of Romanesque monasteries.
Currently, the cathedral is open to tourists, who are in great demand.
Conclusion
All of the abbeys described above are unique and incredibly valuable buildings for historians. However, tourists show even more interest in them. After all, these are holy places filled with a special, divine atmosphere.
