St Florent Abbey
| Abbey of Saint-Florent de Saumur | |
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Native name French: Abbaye Saint-Florent de Saumur |
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View of the abbey of Saint-Florent de Saumur in 1699.
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| Location | Saumur, France |
| Built | 1026 |
| Architectural style(s) | Roman, Gothic, Classical |
| Designated | 1964 and 1973 |
| Reference no. | PA00109302 |
 Location of Abbey of Saint-Florent de Saumur in France
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Coordinates: 47°15′55.64″N 0°6′10.6″W / 47.2654556°N 0.102944°W
The Abbey of Saint-Florent de Saumur, Saumur Les Saint-Florent or Saint-Florent-le-Jeune is a Benedictine abbey in Anjou founded in the 11th century near Saumur, France. It is the successor of the abbey of Saint-Florent Old or Mont Glonne which was abandoned by its monks during raids of the Vikings.
Following its surrender in the French Revolution, most of the monastic buildings were destroyed in the 19th century. The remainder were listed as a historical monument in 1964 and 1973.
According to legend, as told by Célestin Port in his historical dictionary, the monk Absalon came to Anjou with the relics of his patron saint, which he had taken from the monks of Tournus. He took refuge in a cave on the banks of the Loire, in the deserted region overlooked by the primitive castle of Saumur, which then belonged to Theobald I, Count of Blois. Informed of his presence, the count permitted him to settle with his treasure and a small group of monks within the bounds of the castle. He also sent for a colony of twelve benedictine monks from Fleury-sur-Loire. The abbey of Tournus restored the sacred vases and a portion of the books and maps of Mont-Glonne. Hélie, Absalon's first companion, was given control of the new work, and, as of May 2, 950, could help consecrate the basilica. A "splendid" cloister was added to the monastery.
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