Richard Gallagher

Toured the incredible Le Mont Saint Michel. The abbey was built in honor of the Archangel Michael. Built on a rock island in the middle of a salt marsh. Construction of the first church was completed in the 9th century. Another in the 11th century. The main facade of the church was built in the 13th century. With its location and thick granite walls it was never conquered during the 100 year war. You pass through 4 fortified doors at the main entrance. The English tried to lay siege to the Mont in 1423 and again in 1433, failing miserably. The thick tidal mud flats bogged down the English and their equipment. Today it is one of the most important religious sites in europe, with 3 million visitors per year.Read more