Grande Muraille of Saint-Émilion
Historic Site in Saint-Émilion
The Grande Muraille of Saint-Émilion, also known as Les Grandes Murailles, is the last remaining wall of a 12th-century Dominican monastery. Originally, the monastery was a grand structure, but it was deliberately destroyed during the Hundred Years’ War, leaving only this striking fragment standing.
The Dominicans, a mendicant order, relied on charitable donations and lived modestly. However, the height and scale of the remaining wall suggest that the monks of Saint-Émilion may not have adhered strictly to their vow of poverty. The monastery was strategically located near the town’s fortifications, making it a refuge and observation point during conflicts between the French and English.
Today, the Grande Muraille stands proudly at the edge of a vineyard, now part of Château Les Grandes Murailles, adding a picturesque element to the landscape. It remains an important historical site, offering visitors a glimpse into Saint-Émilion’s medieval past.
The Grande Muraille of Saint-Émilion appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Saint-Émilion!
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Visiting Grande Muraille of Saint-Émilion
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Religious Building in Saint-Émilion
