Abbaye
Saint-Riquier
The Renaissance
Saint-Riquier, the rebirth of an abbey
- 625abbey foundation
- 100thousand visitors
- 5hectares of land
A little history
since 625
It was founded by the future Saint Riquier in 625, over a spring that had been the object of an ancient pagan cult.
The abbey became royal in 632 under the protection of Dagobert 1st. It was Charlemagne himself who entrusted his son-in-law, Angilbert, with the construction of a vast new abbey using the noblest materials, thus forging a model of religious architecture for ecclesiastical buildings throughout the West.
Thanks to a library that over the centuries became one of the most important in Europe, and a scriptorium that was particularly active in the creation and dissemination of the caroline minuscule, the abbey played a considerable role in the preservation and transmission of knowledge until the end of the 12th century.
A jewel of Gothic architecture, the Abbey has suffered many destructions due to fire and looting, but today remains one of the most beautiful buildings in France, thanks in particular to the work carried out by Charles d’Aligre in the 17th century.
Departmental Cultural Center
arts and culture incubator
The Abbey also offers a rich and varied cultural season, hosting exhibitions, symposia, concerts, theater, shows and artists and researchers in residence.
A renowned music festival, the Festival de Saint-Riquier, makes the walls of the abbey resound (in July or October). The program is rich, varied and eclectic, open to all audiences. Headliners perform in the abbey church, of course, but the off-festival also enlivens café terraces and venues such as the Préô, as well as the abbey’s gardens and barns.
Tel.: 03 60 03 44 77
A unique venue. A cultural program as rich as the architecture of the abbey’s portals.
A heritage treasure
abbey and abbey church
Saint-Riquier Abbey is also worth a visit for the quality of its architecture. Its eventful history has left its mark on the walls. From the Carolingian origins to the flamboyant Gothic of the church and the classical architecture of the minor seminary, this complex offers a fine overview of the history of art. Take time to stroll through the gardens.
The abbey church is open to the public outside church services in high season, but guided tours are also available. Unusual lantern-lit tours are even offered on certain dates.
