The Hundred Years’ War and Decline
During the 14th and 15th centuries, Vézelay suffered from the devastations of the Hundred Years’ War between France and England. The town was sacked several times, and the abbey’s fortunes declined as pilgrimage routes became unsafe.
The loss of stability and the waning popularity of the cult of Mary Magdalene contributed to Vézelay’s diminished importance. The abbey was secularized during the French Revolution in the late 18th century, leading to further damage and neglect.
Restoration and Preservation
In the 19th century, Vézelay and its abbey experienced a revival, largely thanks to the efforts of architects and historians such as Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. Viollet-le-Duc, famous for his restorations of medieval buildings in France, undertook significant work to preserve and restore the abbey.
Today, Vézelay is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its outstanding universal value as a monument of medieval architecture and pilgrimage.
Vézelay in Modern Times
While the town’s population remains small, Vézelay continues to attract visitors worldwide, drawn by its spiritual legacy, historical ambiance, and breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside.
The town is a living museum, where narrow medieval streets, stone houses, and the majestic abbey evoke centuries of history. Vézelay also hosts cultural events such as music festivals and exhibitions, maintaining its role as a center of artistic expression.
The abbey remains an active place of worship and pilgrimage, welcoming people seeking spiritual connection, historical insight, or simply the serenity of this remarkable hilltop sanctuary. shutdown123