Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte - Abbaye

The "Abbey of Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomte" was founded in the 11th century and built by monks of the abbey of Jumièges. The abbey church was consecrated within the 12th century, though it was probably not completed then. During the Hundred Years´ War the monks were forced out and parts of the abbey and the church get destroyed. It took long to restore the abbey. The choir, that had been razed, was rebuilt in Gothic style in the fifteenth century. The French Revolution ended the monastic life here. The abbey was sold as national property and was used as a stone quarry.

Marie-Madeleine Postel, born in Barfleur in 1756, had founded the "Sœurs des Écoles chrétiennes de la Miséricorde, today known as "Sœurs de Sainte Marie-Madeleine Postel". In 1832 she could buy the abbey ruins that she wanted to make the home of the congregation. Rebuilding started immediately and already in 1840 Prosper Mérimée classified the church as a "monument historique". Th reconstruction was completed in 1855, nine years after the death of Marie-Madeleine Postel, who was canonized in 1925.

The abbey was severely damaged during WWII, when in June 1944 it was bombed, but meanwhile is in a perfect state.

When Marie-Madeleine Postel and the "sœurs" started here only the southern side wall with the triforium and the crossing of the church were still standing. That means that probably most of the "romanesque" capitals are 19th century neo-romanesque".

Here are the Magi approaching the Holy Family to see young born son.