Imagine a block of stone 70 meters high and 32 meters wide carved with nail clippers. We’re hardly exaggerating, so astonishing is this building’s splendor. In an absolutely exceptional state of preservation, this monument alone embodies human genius. That’s what you call having guts. And especially when you consider that it was built out of love… We open the doors to the Royal Monastery of Brou in Bourg-en-Bresse.
The Royal Monastery of Brou, a one-of-a-kind Gothic masterpiece
Just like the Basilica of Vézelay or the Abbey of Fontenay, the Royal Monastery of Brou is a true treasure of our heritage. Its structure remains a model of architecture to this day, such is its refinement. The stained-glass windows , the roof (which indirectly brings to mind the Hospices de Beaune), and the stone carved on every side. One might wonder how it’s even possible…
Its history is so fascinating that it would be far too presumptuous to summarize it in a few lines. But once again, it is love that lies at its heart… Margaret of Austria decided to build this monument to the glory of her late husband, Philibert the Fair. And as we know, when you love someone, you spare no expense.
It was then, with the cream of the crop of artisans from all over Europe and the finest materials available, that the monument rose from the ground in record time. But the inconsolable Marguerite, in turn, passed away without seeing the completion of the work with her own eyes. She rests there, however, alongside her beloved husband, for all eternity, in one of the most beautiful tombs still to be seen in France today.
A free tour is scheduled for this Saturday for European Museum Night
A perfect alignment of the stars is in store this weekend! As part of the 22nd European Night of Museums, you’ll be able to enjoy free admission to the Royal Monastery and the Museum of Fine Arts this Saturday at nightfall. The sites will be open free of charge from 7 p.m. until midnight. For the occasion, several events are planned, including a polyphonic concert in the church nave, which will take place at 8 p.m. Allow about 1.5 hours to visit the site.
The other treasure? The Museum of Fine Arts and its collection spanning over 6,000 m². Inside, discover a myriad of works of art from all European schools dating from the 17th to the 19th century. The museum also features a rich collection of contemporary art that will be open free of charge for this year’s European Night of Museums.
