Sainte-Marie-des-Dames

The abbey's origins trace back to Roman times, when a necropolis was located on its current site, bordering a Roman road. In the Middle Ages, a sanctuary was built here over the tomb of Bishop Saint-Pallais. The founding of the monastery and church took place in the first half of the 11th century, initiated by Agnes of Burgundy, wife of Geoffroy Martel. The first abbey church was consecrated in 1047 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was the first convent for women in Saintonge and was run by Benedictine nuns, who also educated noble girls. In the 12th century, the church underwent extensive renovations, including the construction of a bell tower over the crossing and the enlargement of the choir. The nave received new vaulting with two pendentive domes, and the facade was moved westward and redesigned. These works, completed around 1150, are attributed to the architect Béranger. The abbey was an important stop on the Way of St. James, contributing to its flourishing in the 12th century. Later wars and fires, particularly during the Wars of Religion in the 16th century, led to damage and reconstructions, with the original domes being replaced by wooden ceilings.

The Abbaye aux Dames is located in the city of Saintes in the Charente-Maritime department in the Poitou-Charentes region, France, at an elevation of approx. 12 m above sea level.

The church of the Abbaye aux Dames is currently accessible to visitors and can be toured.

• Roman Arch of Germanicus (Ancient Buildings), approx. 0.4 km away
• Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Saintes (Sacred Building), approx. 0.6 km away
• Roman Theater of Mediolanum Santonum (Ancient Buildings), approx. 1.6 km away
• Château de Panloy (Castle), approx. 11.9 km away