Pier Abbey, Maillezais, Pays de la Loire, France
Situated on an island in the Golfe de Pictons the Abbey of Maillezais is architecturally unique in the Poitou Saintonge. The Abbaye Saint Pierre was built in 1003 on the site of a former castle of the Dukes of Aquitaine several of whom were buried there and it was entrusted to the Benedictine monks in 1010. The Abbey was pillaged in the 13th century on several occasions by the count of Mervent-Vouvant.
In 1317 Pope John XX11 declared it a Bishopric although he allowed the monks to stay.
Artists and men of Letters always found a refuge at the Abbey. Francois Rabelais in 1518 during the Wars of Religion was a notable refugee after being expelled from Fontenay-le-Comte.
It was made a Protestant stronghold by Agrippa d’Aubigne in 1589 before being sold to the Duke of Rohan in 1610. In 1648 the Bishopric was transferred to La Rochelle.
The Abbey was confiscated by the state just after the Revolution and sold for demolition.
From the Abbey’s esplanade visitors can view the imposing remains of the cathedral and the seven halls of its well preserved monastic buildings which include the refectories, a cellar, a salt store, dormitories and the kitchen
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