saint honorat fortified monastery

Saint Honorat Fortified Monastery Renovation

Built in the 10th century by the Abbey of Lerins on the south coast of the island of Saint Honorat to protect the monastery and its occupants, the fortified monastery is to be renovated.

On June 13, 2014 Eric Ciotti, MP, President of the General Council of the Alpes-Maritimes and David Lisnard, Mayor of Cannes, visited the Chapelle Saint-Sauveur and the fortified monastery of Saint Honorat, soon to be restored with the financial support of the General Council and the City of Cannes.

Cannes identity heritage

Located off the Bay of Cannes and protected by Sainte Marguerite, the island of Saint Honorat boasts an extraordinary heritage. The abbey and its fortified monastery are indeed unique in the world of spirituality. The monastic presence on the island, founded by Saint Honorat, a Gallo-Roman aristocrat, goes back to 1,600 years.
David Lisnard and Eric Ciotti were greeted upon descent of the boat on the Saint Honorat island by the Abbot of Lérins, Dom Vladimir Gaudrat. The Abbot led the delegation of personalities during the visit of the Saint Sauveur chapel and the fortified monastery, which was consacred in 1088 by Aldebert II, abbot of the monastery of St. Honorat from 1088 to 1103.

Outstanding architecture

On Saint Honorat, an outstanding listed site off the bay of Cannes, stands a monumental ensemble composed of a 19th century Abbey, a fortified 11th century monastery, a cloister, seven chapels located on the perimeter of the island and a fortified monastery – a jewel of architectural heritage.  Classified historic monument, the fortified monastery, built to withstand many murderous invasions, will soon undergo a complete renovation program. The sites involved in the restoration are witnessing 16 centuries of history.

An ambitious renovation

The chapel of Saint-Sauveur, one of the most remarkable islands of Lérins monastic buildings, is the property of the Cistercian Congregation of the Immaculate Conception, a community consisting of 21 monks currently living in the monastery of Lérins. Classified historic monument in 1886, this building will undergo renovation works including building foundations, development of archaeological advances, improved access to the site and beauty of the Chapel.

Partnership signature

On June 24, 2014 took place the signing of the partnership with the Fondation du Patrimoine for the restoration of the  Saint-Sauveur chapel and the fortified monastery in the presence of David Lisnard, Mayor of Cannes and the General Council of the Alpes-Maritimes. To date, the Abbey of Lérins still needs between 20% and 25% of the budget of this important safeguard work, and launch a funraising  appeal (Tel. 33 – 492995410).

The Cistercian monks of Saint Honorat grow vines since the Middle Ages and produce wines os great reputation that were notably served to heads of state at the G20 summit in Cannes.

www.lerins-sainthonorat.com

Click on pictures to enlarge

 

Saint Honorat Fortified Monastery Renovation was last modified: June 26th, 2014 by tamel

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