façade of Jumièges Abbey
Originally founded in AD 654 but pillaged by the Vikings, Jumièges Abbey's subsequent Norman Romanesque building (of which the west front is seen here) was consecrated in 1067 in the presence of William the Conqueror. The central section of this façade with its gabled top is said to be a remnant of Carolingian architecture from the earlier, pre-Romanesque building.
The abbey was enlarged further in 1256 with the addition of a Gothic east end. The abbey was ruined during the French Revolution as a result of the suppression of monasteries. What remains was described as "the most beautiful ruin in the whole of France" by Victor Hugo.
façade of Jumièges Abbey
Originally founded in AD 654 but pillaged by the Vikings, Jumièges Abbey's subsequent Norman Romanesque building (of which the west front is seen here) was consecrated in 1067 in the presence of William the Conqueror. The central section of this façade with its gabled top is said to be a remnant of Carolingian architecture from the earlier, pre-Romanesque building.
The abbey was enlarged further in 1256 with the addition of a Gothic east end. The abbey was ruined during the French Revolution as a result of the suppression of monasteries. What remains was described as "the most beautiful ruin in the whole of France" by Victor Hugo.