The abbey of the Trinity of Vendôme, in the department of Loir-et-Cher, was founded in 1033 by Geoffroy Iᵉʳ Martel, count of Vendôme. According to legend, the latter would have seen three stars fall into a well, and considering this as a divine sign, the count would then have decided to found this monastery.
Despite the conditions of its creation, the abbey quickly came into conflict with the counts about their respective rights and revenues. However, after the arrival of Pope Urban II at the end of the 11th century, the abbot directing the Benedictine monastery bore the title of cardinal. This privilege will last until the Revolution.
Another indication of its power, since its creation, the abbey of the Trinity has kept a relic of the Holy Tear: Christ would have shed it during the death of Lazarus and an angel would have collected it… A reliquary cupboard to house the Holy Tear was made in the 15th century but this relic was lost in the 19th century when it had to be transferred to Rome.
While a number of Romanesque architectural elements have been preserved, the façade of the abbey church dates from 1508, and is a masterpiece of Flamboyant Gothic art. The specialists evoke a real "sculpted conflagration" as the quality of the sculpted decorations is remarkable. The Romanesque bell tower, 80 m high, is earlier (12th century) and is not unlike the southern bell tower of Chartres Cathedral.
Another splendor of the building, the choir built around 1308. The harmony of the proportions and the large windows decorated with trefoil motifs are characteristic of radiant Gothic architecture.
Many conventual buildings did not resist the consequences of the Revolution and were sold. However, major renovations were carried out in the 19th century.
Thus, in addition to the church, part of the cloister, the chapter house and the former dwelling of the abbots which became the presbytery have been preserved, classified as Historic Monuments since 1840.
Nowadays, the buildings surrounding the former cloisters house a museum and a music school. As for the chapter house, it is accessible on request from the museum. Very beautiful frescoes from the 11th and 12th centuries can be seen there. As for the abbey, inside are preserved a number of works and pieces of furniture classified as objects (altarpiece, altar, statues, etc.).
These rich testimonies of the abbey of Vendôme are open to the public every day. Free or guided visit. Information on +33 2 54 77 05 07.
