Saint-Jean-d'Angély - Abbaye Royale

Saint-Jean-d'Angély developed once next to the "Abbaye Royale", founded in the 9th century by Pepin I of Aquitaine to house the skull of Saint John the Baptist. Pepin was one of Louis the Pious´ rebellious sons, who deposed their father in 833.

During the Viking raids, the abbey was given up, but refounded thanks to Cluny. The abbey got wealthy and important, as most pilgrims, following the Via Turonensis, stopped here to worship the relics. The abbey got looted during the 100 Years War and burned down during the Wars of Religion, the former abbey church never got rebuilt.

Rebuilt in the 17th and 18th century, the buildings of the former abbey now house the "Centre de Culture Européenne".

The buildings of the Abbey got rebuilt in the 17th and 18th century, but still need a lot of maintenance. The area is used for cultural events. The buildings of the former abbey now house the "Centre de Culture Européenne" and offices of the municipal administration. Some of the former cells are rented out to "pelerins". The double-rooms are - very basic. Maybe the small dorms are better..