As one of the first Cistercian abbeys in England, Rievaulx Abbey boasts a storied past that stretches back to its founding in 1132. Nestled in the tranquil Rye Valley, near the town of Helmsley in North Yorkshire, this historical site has captured visitors’ imaginations for centuries. Rievaulx Abbey flourished through the Middle Ages, becoming one of the wealthiest monasteries in Britain.
Abbeys
Abbeys are large religious buildings where monks or nuns live. They often include a church and other living quarters. In medieval times, abbeys were centers of learning and religious life in Europe.
Mont-Saint-Michel
Mont-Saint-Michel, a small rocky island located in Normandy, France, is a historical marvel that has stood the test of time. This UNESCO World Heritage site, with its stunning abbey, quaint streets, and picturesque views, has been a beacon of intrigue and fascination for centuries. Its unique location, surrounded by vast sandbanks and powerful tides, has made it a strategic fortification, a place of pilgrimage, and an enduring symbol of French national identity.