Abbey Sainte-Catherine-du-Mont, also known as Abbey of the Holy Trinity-du-Mont, was founded in 1030 by Gosselin, Viscount Rouen on a hill overlooking the city.
Funded by noble and powerful figures such as William the Conqueror and his descendants, this Benedictine monastery was connected to the center of the medieval city from 1312 via a staircase whose construction was commissioned by Enguerrand de Marigny.
Even then, the abbey is surrounded by fortifications and resembles a citadel. Indeed, its location makes it a strategic location for the defense of Rouen as to its potential attackers.
The abbey thus gradually becomes clear: the danger is, especially with advances in artillery, brings the city authorities to ask King Henry IV destroying fortifications. But after consideration, in 1597, is the abbey itself being shaved.
What remained of the monastery was therefore abandoned, leaving the religious settle in Petit-Quevilly.
One tent was preserved in the abbey church, and is now exhibited in the garden of the Departmental Museum of Antiquities in Rouen.
As for the site itself, where nature resumed her rights before the Revolution, it is now included in the Inventory and has been the subject of archaeological excavations.
It can be a walk or hike.
Information at +33 2 32 08 32 40.
