Abbaye de la Sauve-Majeure

Impressive 12th-century capitals at the ruins of this Benedictine Abbey

featured in Sights & sites

The ruins of this 11th-century Benedictine abbey are located on the pilgrimage route to the Santiago de Compostela and have UNESCO World Heritage status.

Founded in 1079, it was a Romanesque masterpiece and many of its impressive carved capitals remain. With royal patronage, Eleanor of Aquitaine apparently stayed here often, it was a wealthy monastery and at its height ruled over 50 priories.

Located between the Garonne and Dordogne, in the Entre-Deux-Mers region, the abbey is named after the big forest, or "Silva Major", which characterised the surrounding landscape. It was soon at the head of priories spread from England to Aragón, and became a stop on the Saint James of Compostela pilgrimage route.

After the Revolution, all that was left was a ruin used as a stone quarry. Classified as a historic monument in 1840, it served as a teacher training college before being acquired by the state in 1960.

Visitor comments

"Such an interesting romanesque abbey - built in the 11th century and with loads of columns ornately decorated with animals and humans, often from bible stories. The bell tower with its 157 steps invites you to climb to the top and enjoy the distant views of the lush countryside. Tranquil grounds, interesting museum inside a more recent building. Strongly recommend a visit." - Trip Advisor
"Found the experience one of a spiritual nature as one felt the ambience of the Abbey. The tour booklet that is given as a guide was an excellent reference and we were able follow it quite easily. One needs to go past the souvenir shop and view the many artifacts that are in the museum that have been recovered from the Abbey." - Trip Advisor
"I happen to love picturesque ruins and the Abbaye is spectacular when blue sky is framed by ancient arches. There is much to admire...stone carvings, chapel columns and the remains of windowed walls. Being a UNESCO site, it is well managed and there is a small museum and gift shop. You're provided with a very well done booklet describing important relics and the invitation to climb the bell tower for a view. A wine tasting shop is situated right outside the gate; we tasted three whites from the Entre Deux Mers region and bottle prices are reasonable. The town offers little for refreshment or respite so bring your own food and drink if you can't time your arrival for opening hours. There is a decent restaurant open for lunch and dinner." - Trip Advisor