The Abbey of Our Lady of Alet is located on the town of Alet-les-Bains in Aude, 35 kilometers south of Carcassonne.
It was built in the tenth century on the foundations of an early monastery. In the twelfth century, the site attracts many pilgrims. In the early thirteenth century, as throughout the region, the abbey suffered disorders in the crusade against the Cathars. Follows a time of prosperity: it is elevated to a cathedral, seat of the Bishop of Alet, from 1318 to 1801.
The Abbey of Our Lady sees bruised and partly however destroyed by the religious wars and after them, the cathedral (housed in the former monks' refectory) is dedicated to St. Benedict.
Historic Monument in 1862, is the subject of a restoration project in the early twentieth century and again after World War II. Remains emerged and developed and Romanesque choir, regarding the, considered the oldest part of the site was recently consolidated.
Finally, besides the remains of the primitive cathedral, are preserved the chapter house, the polygonal chapel, the walls of the cloister, the front door of the old abbey. The set is of major interest especially as superimposed Corinthian elements, Romanesque and Gothic.
This site indicating a rich history in the heart of a medieval city, such as the efforts made for more than a century to restore its luster, is open to visitors every day from April to October, Tuesday Thursday and Saturday from November to March. Price: 2.50 and 4 euros. Information +33 4 68 69 93 56.
