Located on the plateau which bears the same name, overlooking the valley, the monastery of Ganagobie, classified as a historic monument, peacefully but proudly contemplates the Durance. A true place of meditation with a certain charm, the aesthetics of this beautiful place leave no one indifferent.
Founded in the 1990th century by Bishop Jean II of Sisteron and attached to Cluny shortly after its completion, the church was enlarged to its current size in the XNUMXth century. Part of the buildings will be destroyed during the French Revolution. Ceded to the Benedictines in the XNUMXth century, who then restored the destroyed parts (cloister and refectory), it was at this time that the mosaics were updated. In the middle of the XNUMXth century, a paved road facilitated access from the road into the valley and restoration work continued until the XNUMXs.
Stone work
The patient work of stone by the community of Benedictine monks has transformed this place into a true haven of peace, indifferent to the passing of time. The monastery can be visited today in its west wing.
The Romanesque church, with a remarkable portal; the apse, paved with a Romanesque mosaic of oriental inspiration and the cloister, a jewel of Romanesque art from the 12th century, give this green site its exceptional status.
You can visit the church which contains the 15th century mosaic every day of the year, summer and winter, from 17 p.m. to 9 p.m., except Mondays. Mass on Sunday at XNUMX a.m. “Allée des Moines” which leads to the eastern edge of the plateau overlooking the Durance valley, offers a beautiful panorama. Beautiful walks are possible around the plateau.
Architectural gems
Mosaics
The monastery is renowned for its medieval mosaics from the 72th century located in the central apse of the church. With a surface area of more than XNUMXm² and of exceptional artistic quality due to their motifs (elephants, Viking warriors, Asian cataphract, fantastic animals, etc.), these polychrome mosaics with multiple influences constitute a true jewel of Romanesque art. Unique in France!
Stained glass
When you enter the church, something catches your attention, but you don't immediately know what. There is something special in the atmosphere, the ambiance of the place. You guess ? Colors ! Indeed, the stained glass windows of the abbey church diffuse a particularly colorful light. These are stained glass windows created by Father Kim En Joong, a contemporary Korean artist, recognized throughout the world.
Archaeological excavations carried out in the 1960s revealed that the walls of the church were fitted with colorful stained glass windows. But since the Revolution, and until 2006, simple glass panes fitted the walls of the church. To return the abbey to its colorful youth, the monks called on Father Kim En Joong. Pay attention to each stained glass window because they are only made in one piece!
Ear-drum
The entrance to the 10th century church allows you to admire its porch and its superb tympanum. The portal is decorated with a pointed arch, scalloped in the same Mozarabic style as the mosaics. In the center of the tympanum sits a Christ surrounded by the four evangelists while the twelve apostles appear on the lintel of the bas-relief.
Cloister
Dating from the end of the 12th century, alternating light and dark, it is of low, compact construction and is located to the south of the nave of the church. With the exception of Heritage Days, the cloister cannot be visited. However, it can be seen from inside the church. A symbol of monastic life, it is the only Romanesque cloister to survive in the department.
The cloister is a jewel of which we only have a partial view through bay windows opening onto the nave and the south branch of the heart. This Romanesque cloister is a masterpiece of grace and simplicity, but still offers finely crafted columns and capitals. It opens with two wide arches and two twin bays on each side. The galleries are covered with very thick slates. The capitals are decorated with broken sticks and stylized, flat-carved leaves. One is decorated with human masks. In its center, the garden takes up the dry vegetation which covers the entire plateau of the Ganagobie site.
To go there
To shine
Around the Priory
You can come to the Ganagobie monastery to walk and have a picnic. The walks among the oaks, with this incredible view of the Durance, the Forcalquier region and the Montagne de Lure are superb.
A path allows you to go around the plateau in 2 hours. Dotted with historical treasures, the walk connects the village to the plateau: monks' avenue, ramparts, millstone quarries. You will be able to discover the ruins of the village of Villevieille, probably dating from the XNUMXth century. It is assumed that the Plateau was inhabited since prehistoric times.
