The Legendary Castle

Mont Saint Michel, also known as the Normandy Castle, is a stunning castle located on an island off the coast of Normandy, France. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in France and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. Mont Saint Michel is a popular tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors every year. In this article, we will explore the castle's history, beauty, and community.

Starting of on the world renowned history of Mont Saint Michel, I want to dive into some facts that interested me about this unique and fascinating castle.

Mont Saint Michel's history dates back to the 8th century when a bishop named Saint Aubert built a small church on the island. Over the years, the church grew in size and became a pilgrimage site for Christians across Europe. In the 10th century, the Duke of Normandy, Richard I, built the castle to protect the island from Viking invasions. The castle was expanded and fortified over the years, and in the 11th century, the Romanesque abbey was built on the top of the island. The abbey was a major center of learning and culture in Europe, and it attracted scholars, theologians, and artists from across the continent.

In the 13th century, King Philip II of France seized the island from the Normans, and the abbey became a royal abbey. The castle and the abbey were further expanded and renovated during this time, and the island became a symbol of French power and prestige. Mont Saint Michel played a significant role in the Hundred Years' War between France and England. The English tried to capture the island several times but failed, and Mont Saint Michel remained under French control.

In the 19th century, the castle and the abbey were restored and renovated, and the island became a popular tourist destination. Today, Mont Saint Michel is one of the most visited tourist attractions in France, attracting millions of visitors every year.

Next, I want to dive into the beauty that this castle is known for possessing.

Mont Saint Michel is known for its stunning beauty and unique architecture. The castle and the abbey are perched on top of a rocky island, surrounded by the sea. The island is connected to the mainland by a causeway that is covered by water during high tide. The castle and the abbey are built in the Romanesque and Gothic styles, and they are a perfect example of medieval architecture.

The castle and the abbey are surrounded by narrow streets and alleys, lined with medieval houses and shops. The streets are cobbled, and they lead up to the top of the island, where the abbey is located. The abbey is an impressive structure, with its soaring towers, intricate carvings, and beautiful stained glass windows.

The views from the top of the island are breathtaking, with the sea stretching out to the horizon, and the surrounding countryside dotted with fields, forests, and villages. The castle and the abbey are particularly stunning at night when they are illuminated, casting a warm glow over the island and the surrounding sea.

Lastly I want to dive into the community that inhabits this land in Normandy. It has been called home by many generations throughout history, and is now a sort of marketplace for travelers and mostly tourists that visit this beautiful masterpiece.

Mont Saint Michel has a small community of around 50 people, who live on the island all year round. The community is made up of monks, nuns, and local residents, who work in the castle and the abbey or run businesses on the island.

The monks and nuns are part of the Benedictine order, and they live in the abbey, following a strict routine of prayer, work, and study. The local residents are mostly involved in the tourism industry, running hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops on the island. They work hard to maintain the castle and the abbey, preserving the island's history and beauty for future generations.

Mont Saint Michel has a unique and vibrant culture, with a rich tradition of music, dance, and cuisine. The community celebrates several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Feast of Saint Michael in September and the Mont Saint Michel Marathon.

For these three reasons, Mont Saint Michel is regarded as one of the most, if not the most beautiful castle on this world. Let me know what you think of this castle in the comments.