Lagrasse Abbey

Presentation

An imposing and majestic monument in a natural green setting, the abbey was founded during the reign of Charlemagne in 779. It was the largest abbey in the department and continues to count as one of the area’s most beautiful architectural treasures. Facing the medieval city, listed as one of France’s most beautiful villages, this Benedictine monument commands respect and is an amazing catalogue of architecture from the 8th to the 18th century. Several owners have succeeded each other since the French Revolution. The Aude department acquired the oldest part, called "public”, in 2004. Most of the buildings are medieval: the courtyard of the abbatial dwelling, the pantry, the bakery, the chapels and their vestibules, the sacristy, the north transept, the pre-Romanesque tower, the lapidary store room, the state room and the dormitory, partly restored in 2009. The other “private” part belongs to a religious order.