Reims - Abbey of Saint-Remi

The abbey was founded already in the sixth century. Since 1099 the relics of Saint Remi are kept here. Remi was the bishop of Reims who baptised Clovis, King of the Franks, in 496.

The abbey developed well and got very important. Charlemagne received Pope Leo III here. It was one of the richest convents in what is France today during the 9th century. From 780 to 945 the archbishops of Reims served as its abbots. Over centuries the "Holy Ampulla", holding the held the anointing oil for the coronation of the kings of France, was kept here. During the French Revolution the glass vial was publicly destroyed.

The present basilica was the abbey church, that was consecrated by Pope Leo IX in 1049. While the western facade and the nave are Romanesque, the transepts and the eastern part, seen here, were rebuilt later in Gothic style.