Still on our weekend trip to Burgundy. We climbed the hill of Vézelay to the 11th century abbey of St. Magdelene. It is here that the relics of Mary Magdalene are kept, according to roman catholic tradition. It is from here that the the crusades were preached, and from where the 3rd Crusade set off. For these and other reasons, this is the starting point of the pilgrimage of Santiago de Compostela (a pilgrimage that many catholic faithful make on foot - starting from here and going over several religious sites in the South of France and Spain to Compostela. It lasts several weeks and the pilgrims are half dead at the end of it).
More pics of the Abbey.
The relics of Mary Magdalene in an underground crypt.
The town of Vézelay dates from the same time as the abbey, and is just as historic.
More pics of the Abbey.
The relics of Mary Magdalene in an underground crypt.
The town of Vézelay dates from the same time as the abbey, and is just as historic.
