The history of Mont Saint Michel is a testament to its survival, undergoing several reconstructions and resettlements.
A granite rock earlier known as Mont Tombe changed when Saint Aubert was visited by the Archangel Michael in 708.
By 966, we see the Roman causeway’s construction and the Benedictine church’s establishment.
The town of Mont Saint Michel began to grow below the peak where the abbey was constructed.
The Carolingian dynasty and the development of feudalism are represented in the expanding village.
The site’s popularity grew, and by 1023, the original church was expanded to accommodate the increased footfall.
2023 marks 1000 years of this reconstruction.
Such was the influence of the Mont Saint Michel that William the Conqueror, as the Duke of Normandy, constructed Mount of Penzance off the coast of Cornwall.
With the incoming attack of the Breton Knights in 1206, we notice the transition in the style and design of the construction.
In the 13th Century, we see that Philippe Auguste, the King of France, began to show interest in strengthening the stronghold of Mont Saint Michel.
The reconquest of Normandy was an important point, and we see a turning point in the history of Mont St. Michel.
We see the construction of the Merville cloisters, which marked the transition towards Gothic architecture on the island in the following centuries.
The Hundred Year War between 1337 and 1453 marked the Mont’s fortification, making it impregnable against a siege.
The construction of the Gothic choir bookends this era. Read more about the structures on the island.
With the French Revolution and the waning interest in religiosity, the Mont Saint Michel saw a drop in tourists and pilgrims.
King Louis XI saw this as an opportunity to turn the highly fortified bastion into a prison. The poets and artists were extremely upset by the turn of events.
Finally, their pleas and petitions were answered in 1863 when the Bastille of the Sea was finally shut, starting the Belle Époque.
During the previous period, the families of the prisoners also found reasons to visit the island. The existing population incentivized the return of tourists and pilgrims.
In 1879, the current causeway was constructed for tourists, making the island accessible even during the high tide.
Unfortunately, this began a process of silting around the Mont that could have altered the very core of its identity.
In 1922, restoration efforts for the bay area began as the religious and tourist value of the site remained prominent.
Between 1908 and 1938, we also saw the development of the Pontorson tramway directly to the Mont Saint Michel entrance.
After 1922, the old ruins of the town needed to be reconstructed as well, and a focus was made on installing Norman and Gothic Revival-style structures.
During the occupation of France from 1940 to 1944, the Mont fell under the influence of the Germans.
In 1966, in honor of the 1000-year anniversary of the construction of the original abbey, the return of the monks and nuns to the site reinvigorated the attraction.
Buy your Mont Saint Michel tickets and learn its history in detail during your visit.
Mont Saint Michel became one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1979.
The growing focus on restoration efforts continued until 1983.
In 2001, the Monastic Fraternities of Jerusalem took charge of the daily worship and activities at the abbey.
The Tidal Causeway underwent development to reduce the continuing silting of the bay between 2006 and 2015.
In 2014, direct car access to the entrance of Mont Saint Michel was halted to relieve the traffic pressure on the silting in the bay.
The focus remained on continuing the legacy of Mont Saint Michel by naming Miyajima Island in Japan and Monte Sant’ Angelo in Italy as international friends.
Finally, 2023 saw the 1000-year anniversary of the reconstruction work on the island during the peak of its operations.
The Hydraulic Dam Project on Couesnon River to restore the status of Mont Saint Michel to an islet.
FAQs
1. What is the history of Mont Saint Michel?
Constructed in 708 AD, Mont Saint Michel remained a popular pilgrimage destination. The varied importance of the site is a reflection of the relationship between Christianity and the State.Â
2. Why was Mont Saint Michel in France built?
In his dreams, Bishop Aubert of Avranches was visited by Archangel Michel to build a church on the rocky island at the mouth of the Couesnon River. They could acquire a wall section, a red cape, and a piece of marble that he had stepped on.
3. What is important about Mont Saint Michel in France?
Mont Saint Michel is an important Catholic site with a unique aesthetic that distinguishes it from the other tourist sites. Combined with its long history of resilience, we have the three main qualities of France represented at one site.
4. Is Disney based on Mont Saint-Michel?
No, Disney is not based on Mont Saint Michel. It is based on the design of the Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. The iconic castles of Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty are also designed based on this castle from Germany. They are featured at Disneyland Paris and Disneyland Florida.
5. When was Mont Saint Michel built?
Mont Saint Michel was constructed in 708 AD, but the town expanded from the church and abbey over the next 1300 years. The landmark expansions took place in 966 AD and 1023 AD.
Featured Image: Warfarehistorynetwork.com