Mont-Saint-Michel
Construction history and architecture
Before the first Christian building was erected, the tidal island of Mont-Saint-Michel, due to its strategic location in the middle of a bay between Normandy and Brittany, already served as a site for fortifications of the Gallo-Romans as well as the Franks. Legend has it, that in 708 Aubert, the bishop of Avranches, had a vision of Archangel Michael who instructed him to build an oratory on the rocky islet. Thus began the long history of Mont-Saint-Michel as a place of pilgrimage. Construction of the original Benedictine abbey began in the 10th century. Over time, it was replaced by increasingly magnificent buildings, particularly in the Gothic and Romanesque styles.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The abbey has been protected as a ‘Monument historique’ since 1862 and is one of the most visited sights in France. In 1979, Mont-Saint-Michel and its bay were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their cultural significance and architectural tour de force, given the extreme nature. The current bridge to the islet was built in 2014. In 2015, it was completely flooded during a "supertide", an event that occurs only once every 18 years.
Facts
- Location: Manche department, Normandy region, Northern France
- Built: 10th-16th century
- Architectural styles: Romanesque and Gothic
- Patron saint: Archangel Michael
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay (1979)
Mont-Saint-Michel commemorative card
Due to its importance as one of France's most famous landmarks and its unique architecture, Mont-Saint-Michel was depicted on an exceptional 20 Francs coin. It is a trimetallic coin, made of three separate alloys, and was minted from 1992 to 2001. The obverse of the coin features the island with the Benedictine abbey. The reverse shows the denomination, the issue year and the French motto “LIBERTÉ, ÉGALITÉ, FRATERNITÉ” (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity).
20 Francs
Obverse: Mont-Saint-Michel, Benedictine abbey in Normandy, country name
Reverse: Denomination, issue year, motto ''LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ'' (liberty, equality, fraternity)
| Weight: 9.00 g (0.02 lb) Diameter: 27.00 mm (1.06 in) Material: Copper-aluminium-nickel core, nickel middle part, copper-aluminium-nickel outer ring |
