Abbey of Saint-Aubin
A funerary basilica rose in Angers to house the tomb of Bishop Albinus, who served from 529 until his death in 550. The bishop initially rested in a narrow cellula angusta while workers completed the great structure between 550 and 576. Gregory of Tours later named this nova basilica after Saint Aubin in his writings from the sixth book of his history. Excavations conducted during 1997 redevelopment of the Musée des Beaux-Arts revealed that the courtyard area stood empty of human habitation around the 6th or 7th centuries. A few burials remained present within this space as archaeologists interpreted it as the enclosure of the Abbey of Saint-Aubin. Monastic activity emerged by 616 when Bishop Bertrand du Mans implied its existence through historical records. The author of the first Vita S. Magnobodi wrote about these events sometime during the 9th or 10th century.
A canonical community replaced the monks during the 8th or 9th century at the abbey site. Bishop Théodulf d'Orléans faced detention here from 818 until his death in 820 for supporting Bernard of Italy. The establishment regained definitive abbey status with the return of monks in 966 according to Cartulaire de Saint-Aubin number 18. This reform marked a significant shift in how the community operated under monastic rules once more. The French Revolution eventually dispersed the monks who had lived there for centuries. No further details exist regarding specific dates of dispersal beyond the general revolutionary period mentioned in historical accounts.
The bell tower rose 54 meters above Angers during the 11th century, standing apart from the main abbey complex. Medieval observers used this structure as a watchtower while it formed a small fortress complete with loopholes and an internal well. Successive occupations and multiple uses caused the tower to fall into disrepair over many centuries. During the 19th century, the belfry, campanile, and roof were destroyed by time and neglect. The building later became a shot tower for manufacturing hunting shot before losing its original function entirely. In 1862, authorities listed the Saint-Aubin tower as a Monument Historique to preserve what remained. Further protection classifications occurred in 1901, 1904, 1968, and 2007 through inscription. The first half of the 20th century saw the tower house the Musée de l'Industrie followed by a meteorological observatory. Today temporary art exhibitions fill the space within the ancient stone walls.
Robert de La Tour-Landry initiated construction of the Romanesque cloister between 1127 and 1154 as abbot of Saint-Aubin. All that remains today is the eastern gallery containing the Chapter house door plus two series of arcades on either side. North side arcades consist of two triplets of three arcades each while south side features geminated bays beneath three framing arcades. These twelve arcades date from the 12th century according to architectural analysis. Capitals on the cloister side depict episodes from the story of Samson carved into stone. Spandrels under southern arcade archivolts show scenes depicting the Maestà alongside the story of David and Goliath. A painting beneath the Maestà shows the Magi setting off towards Jerusalem on one side and Herod ordering the Massacre of the Innocents on the other. Jerusalem appears symbolized by the Virgin in the center surrounded by two angels. Monks attempted covering the cloister with Gothic vaulting during the 14th century but damaged existing sculptures in the process. Abbey buildings underwent rebuilding between 1668 and 1692 after earlier destruction.
The abbey church faced demolition in 1811 to create what is now Place Michel-Debré in Angers. The cloister became incorporated into the new Maine-et-Loire prefecture building as part of urban redevelopment efforts. The fortified bell tower remained separate from the main abbey complex since it was formerly the abbot's own property. This structure still stands visible today on rue des Lices within the city limits. Surviving cloister arcades located in the courtyard of the Angers prefecture received Historic Monument classification by decree on the 19th of July 1901. Additional protection came through inscription in a room on the first floor of the prefecture's central building. These measures ensured preservation of architectural elements that might otherwise have vanished completely.
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Common questions
When was the Abbey of Saint-Aubin founded in Angers?
The Abbey of Saint-Aubin emerged as a monastic community by 616 when Bishop Bertrand du Mans implied its existence through historical records. A funerary basilica rose in Angers to house the tomb of Bishop Albinus who served from 529 until his death in 550.
What happened to the monks at the Abbey of Saint-Aubin during the French Revolution?
The French Revolution eventually dispersed the monks who had lived there for centuries without specific dates beyond the general revolutionary period mentioned in historical accounts. No further details exist regarding specific dates of dispersal beyond the general revolutionary period mentioned in historical accounts.
How tall is the bell tower of the Abbey of Saint-Aubin in meters?
The bell tower rose 54 meters above Angers during the 11th century standing apart from the main abbey complex. Medieval observers used this structure as a watchtower while it formed a small fortress complete with loopholes and an internal well.
Who initiated construction of the Romanesque cloister at the Abbey of Saint-Aubin?
Robert de La Tour-Landry initiated construction of the Romanesque cloister between 1127 and 1154 as abbot of Saint-Aubin. All that remains today is the eastern gallery containing the Chapter house door plus two series of arcades on either side.
When was the cloister of the Abbey of Saint-Aubin classified as a Historic Monument?
Surviving cloister arcades located in the courtyard of the Angers prefecture received Historic Monument classification by decree on the 19th of July 1901. Additional protection came through inscription in a room on the first floor of the prefecture's central building.