The monastery under the hill in France

The monastery under the hill in France

Prieuré de Carluc, a well-preserved medieval monastery in France, is a hidden gem with a reputation for saintliness. Explore its unique features and history. (Originally a historic monk center and a place of pilgrimage)

Hidden beneath a hill in France lies a well-preserved medieval monastery known as Prieuré de Carluc. This monastery, which was under the jurisdiction of the abbey of Montmajour from the 12th century, had a reputation for saintliness attached to its founder and was a popular destination for pilgrims and travelers. The monastery complex consisted of three churches, among which Saint-Pierre is one of the oldest. The priory had a dozen priories under its control, and the Chapelle Notre-Dame remains at Prieuré de Carluc today.

Visitors can explore the remains of the priory, which include a medieval church surrounded by anthropomorphic rock tombs, two other churches, and numerous rock arrangements. The gallery carved into the rock is a notable feature of the priory, with a western part deeply carved into the rock and an eastern part meticulously masoned. The name Prieuré de Carluc likely originates from the pre-Indo-European root *Kar, meaning stone or rock.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons

Written by Nicolo Ciampini

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