The Romanesque heritage of Roussillon - Ma Prairie - Sunêlia Vacances

The Romanesque heritage of Roussillon

The region of Canet-en Roussillon in which our 4-star campsite is located has an exceptional historical heritage with Romanesque style monuments that have survived the passage of time without too much damage. Some of the buildings are classified as Historic Monuments. Lovers of history and old stones, take advantage of your stay in our campsite in the Pyrénées-Orientales to discover the Romanesque heritage of Roussillon.

Origins and characteristics of Romanesque Art

From the 6th to the 10th century dominates what is today called pre-Romanesque art. TheRomanesque art, as for him, begins in the Xth century and will extend until the second half of the XIIth century. This includes both architecture and also sculptures or paintings.

Romanesque art was followed byGothic art. In architecture, it will give monuments more luminous and less massive thanks to new techniques: the buttress arch, the vault on cross ribs and the broken arch. The palace of the kings of Majorca in Perpignan, for example, is a Gothic style monument.

Palace of the kings of Majorca in Perpignan
Palace of the Kings of Majorca in Perpignan - Photo credit: Office du tourisme de Perpignan

The pink marble of Villefranche-de-Conflent

One of France's most beautiful villages, the medieval town of Villefranche-de-Conflent boasts a remarkable historical heritage. As you stroll through its narrow streets, you'll admire Romanesque and Gothic monuments, as well as Vauban military constructions. A journey through time. The village is also the departure point for the little yellow train, a true symbol of the Catalan Pyrenees. In Villefranche-de-Conflent, the famous pink marble dominates. The churches of Saint-Jacques, Saint-André de Belloc and Saint-Étienne de Campelles are fine examples of Romanesque architecture.

Saint Martin du Canigou Abbey

The abbey Saint-Martin du Canigou overlooks the village of Casteil. This monastery founded by monks of the Benedictine order in the 10th century is classified as a Historical Monument. From Casteil, you will have to walk between 30 minutes and 1 hour depending on your physical condition to reach this jewel of Romanesque heritage. It is still active today.

Founded at the beginning of the 11th century, the Saint-Martin du Canigou Abbey brings together no less than 1000 years of history. Located in the middle of nature, the monument will offer you a sumptuous view in the heart of the typical architecture of the Romanesque art.

Saint-Martin-du-Canigou Abbey
Saint-Martin-du-Canigou Abbey

The Abbey of Saint-Michel de Cuxa

It is in the 10th century that the construction of this remarkable site in Codalet began with the pre-Romanesque church which is also the largest of its kind preserved in France. The Romanesque style is recognizable by the use of horseshoe arches. Later, many other buildings in the pre-Romanesque style were built. However, only the bell tower and the crypt remain today. In the 12th century, a Romanesque cloister was built, whose beautiful sculptures can still be appreciated today.

Other Romanesque monuments may also be of interest, such as the Serrabone priory or the Romanesque sculpture centre of Cabestany.

Thanks to your stay in our campsite in Roussillondiscover the heritage of the Pyrenees-Orientales region and its many historical monuments not to be missed.

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