Morienval: splendor and history of the abbey church
Nestled in the hollow of a valley where the Automne River winds, Morienval Abbey, a true jewel of Romanesque art and listed on the first list of Historic Monuments, was an important place of pilgrimage. A former abbey of Benedictine nuns, this historic site is distinguished by its unique Romanesque architecture, its three emblematic bell towers, and its sculptural details. Morienval Abbey is a must-see for heritage enthusiasts, offering a fascinating insight into the architectural and religious evolution of the Valois region.
A thousand-year-old history
The Origins of the Abbey
Probably founded in the third quarter of the 9th centurye century by Charles the Bald, the Notre-Dame de Morienval Abbey was initially a double monastery, housing both monks and nuns, before becoming exclusively a women's abbey. From the middle of the 11th centurye century, the present church began to be erected, marking the beginning of its distinct Romanesque architecture, with lingering Carolingian influences.
The Age of Builders
The abbey church of Morienval, as we know it today, was mainly built between the 11the and the beginning of the 12th centurye century. The en echelon plan, the two chevet towers and the lower transept reveal a design still marked by the Carolingian tradition. The nave, rebuilt at the end of the 11th centurye century, adopts a strong Romanesque style, with semicircular arches and sculpted capitals that still evoke ancient geometric influences. The ribbed vaults from the end of the first quarter of the 12th centurye century bear witness to the first Gothic architectural experiments in the region.
The End of the Abbey and its Consequences
Morienval Abbey was dissolved in 1745, and its church then became a parish church, taking the name of Saint-Denis after the demolition of the old parish church in 1750. The remaining convent buildings were converted into farmland. The French Revolution led to the demolition of many of the abbey's structures, but the church itself was preserved and listed among France's first historic monuments in 1840.
A remarkable site to explore
Morienval Abbey is a living page in French architectural history. Visitors can admire the intricately carved archaic capitals, some of the oldest ribbed vaults in the region, and the unique false ambulatory.
The abbey church is open for individual visits from May to September, and guided tours can be arranged throughout the year, upon request from the Tourist Office.
Alexia Da RochaHow to get there ?
Guided tour of the Abbey
Discover Morienval Abbey during a captivating guided tour, where history and architecture are revealed in a new light. Don't hesitate to contact the Tourist Office.
