Abbaye de Saint Romain

Shortly after arriving in Beaucaire, Sebastien took me to see this abbey but for some reason I neglected to make an entry for it. In retrospect, I think this worked out for the better because it wasn't until much later that I developed a certain appreciation for it. 

The abbey itself is located on the top of a modest peak in the middle of the mediterranean forest where it is camouflaged by the surrounding trees and sunken back into the earth around it. When first looking at the structure, it's hard to gauge the actual size and complexity of its construction. 

During the 7th century, monks and hermits began digging into the mountain in order to carve out an area for refuge and worship, making it a troglodyte monastery. This earthen structure was eventually expanded outwards to include a tower on the west side and some reinforced walls on the others. Otherwise the internal chambers remained in their original cave-like condition, with exception to the grand room which was made into a chapel. The premises houses over 150 body shaped coffins carved into the roof floors of the abbey. 

The location of this Abbey made it a target for sabotage since it was located on the border between protestant Nimes and Catholic Beaucaire. Because of this, the Abbey switched back and forth from protestantism to catholicism. Unfortunately, these changes involved partial destruction of the structure and vandalism, leaving mere vestiges of what actually made up the true interior of the abbey. 

After reflecting on other experiences since then, I have a greater appreciation for this monument and it's history. Although the roman colosseum was a spectacle to behold, it's stands were modernized and it's floor was cemented for the bull fights that now take place there. The Château de Tarascon is undoubtedly my favorite, but I can't help being frustrated that it was turned into a prison at one point, thus removing all of it's original furnishings. This being said, although the Abbey was raw, leaving much to the imagination, I appreciated that it wasn't repurposed. The open tombs in contrast to the beautiful mountains and valleys left an interesting perspective on mortality and human significance. 

The main entrance leading to three separate rooms.
The walls featured inset alters and places for candles.

It's difficult to visualize, but this is the wine press.
A large corkscrew was fastened on the left which ground grapes below.

This is the grand room and perhaps the most impressive.
Midway up the walls, you can see evidence of timbers that used to support another floor.
There were also remnants of paint and other religious symbols. 

Another section of the abbey existed beyond this point,
but a collapse has left a hole in its place.

An impressive arched ceiling
seemingly held by nothing but the stones themselves.

Looking off to the south east.
These caskets were once covered, but the wood has since rotted.

Looking to the north east.
Apparently remains were found, but relocated before making this a public monument.

Thanks again for reading.