Abbaye Saint-Pierre de Vertheuil

Abbey in Bordeaux

CC BY-SA 4.0 / PA

The Abbaye Saint-Pierre de Vertheuil, nestled in the heart of the Médoc region, stands as a testament to centuries of religious and architectural history. Founded in the 11th century, likely by William VIII of Aquitaine, the abbey was initially home to Benedictine monks before transitioning to the Order of Saint Augustine. Built upon the remnants of a Gallo-Roman villa, the abbey has witnessed numerous historical events, including devastations during the Hundred Years’ War and the Wars of Religion. Despite these challenges, it was reconstructed in the 18th century, preserving elements of its Romanesque origins alongside classical architectural features.

Visitors to the abbey can explore its remarkable architectural elements, such as the Romanesque portal adorned with intricate carvings and the unique dual bell towers—one octagonal from the 12th century and a square defensive tower from the 16th century. Inside, the abbey church boasts a vast nave with vaulted ceilings, a rare ambulatory with three chapels, and sculpted capitals depicting various motifs. The site also includes remnants of medieval structures, vaulted cellars, and a beautifully landscaped English-style park added in the 18th century.

Today, the Abbaye de Vertheuil is open to the public, offering free entry to the abbey church daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and until 6 p.m. in July and August. The abbey house is accessible during the summer months from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., with guided tours available for a modest fee. Additionally, the site hosts the Petit Musée d’Automates, a charming collection of handcrafted automata depicting scenes of everyday life, open during the summer season.

The Abbaye Saint-Pierre de Vertheuil appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Bordeaux!

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