Guide Perigord_version anglaise

Saint-Amand-de-Coly Abbey was extremely prosperous all through the XIIIth century, with up to nineteen priories attached. Today only the Abbey church subsists, but since 1980 archaeological digs and surveys conducted on the site, have revealed notably, the cloister wall.

© Bertrand Rieger © Bertrand Rieger

A Fortress-like Abbey The construction of the abbey (above) was started in the XIIth century at the time of Abbot Guillaume, whose tomb lies in the north chapel. The church was fortified during the Hundred Year’s War (1337-1453) to protect the village and its religious community from warlike attacks. The visible section of the church’s defence system is an indication of the site’s strategic importance, which extended over a surface of more than 64,583 square feet. The village’s carefully restored streets lead to the abbey keep and bell-tower. Proudly standing just short of a hundred foot high, the structure towers over the village and the surrounding countryside.

©PhilippeRoy

©BertrandRieger ©Titia Carrizey-Jasick

The Abbey hotel-restaurant is the ideal place to stop off and take in the distinc- tive atmosphere around the church. Travellers can savour local regional produce and get some rest in the peace- ful traditionally decorated rooms. This year the restaurant is moving to a spot just opposite the abbey. Bed and Sustenance in the Village

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24+1VILLAGES OF PÉRIGORD