Abbaye aux Dames, Saintes
Abbey in Charente-Maritime, France
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Abbaye aux Dames ("Ladies' Abbey") was the first Benedictine nunnery in Saintes in Charente-Maritime in France. The abbey was founded in 1047 by Geoffrey II, Count of Anjou, and his wife Agnes.[1] Agnes later retired to the nunnery and died there.[2]
One of its abbesses was Agnès of Barbezieux (1134–1174), whose relative, Eleanor of Aquitaine, was a generous donor to the abbey.
Madame de Montespan was educated here.
It is located next to the town's Arch of Germanicus and was classified a monument historique in 1948.[3]
The abbey church, Sainte-Marie-des-Dames, dates from the 12th century.
Pictures
Church
Roman porch
Door
Nave
