Abbaye aux Hommes

In general parlance we would call this a monastery. Built by William, and started in 1066. He had married his 5th cousin, but the pope refused to bless the marriage as consanguineous. It has been suggested that it actually had more to do with Norman trips in southern Italy. So, after a new pope was elected, he was allowed to do penance, part of which was building 2 Abbey's. This is one of them.
The first pic is the Abbey, second is the chapter room. Third is the cloister. 4th is the service board where the monks found out their assignments each day. Then the refectory and the Abbey church. William is interred in the choir, beyond the altar.
The building is now the city hall.Read more