Vezelay Abbey, also known as Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, is a Benedictine and Cluniac monastery located in the town of Vézelay in Burgundy, France. The abbey was founded in the 9th century and gained importance in the 11th and 12th centuries as a starting point for pilgrims on the way to Santiago de Compostela. The abbey church, dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene, is a masterpiece of Burgundian Romanesque architecture and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in France.
The abbey's architecture is characterized by its simplicity, harmony, and purity of form. The nave of the church is 48 meters long and 14 meters wide, with a barrel vaulted ceiling that rises 17 meters high. The church is decorated with sculptural works, including the famous tympanum depicting the Ascension of Christ, which is considered one of the finest examples of Romanesque sculpture in France.
In addition to its architectural and artistic significance, Vezelay Abbey is also known for its historical significance. It was here that Pope Urban II delivered a famous speech in 1095, calling for the First Crusade. The abbey also played an important role in the history of France during the Hundred Years' War and the Wars of Religion.
Today, Vezelay Abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage site and remains an important pilgrimage site, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The abbey is also used for concerts, exhibitions, and other cultural events.