How to visit the Abbey of Moissac and its Romanesque cloister: schedules

I have already mentioned on previous occasions my current interest in Romanesque art, and therefore, by the hermitages and monasteries built with said architectural style.

Then it will fit you that the Moissac Abbey was a priority objective of my last trip to the old Midi-Pyrénées region, now called Occitania, South of France.

It is an abbey whose origins date back to the 9th century, and whose main attraction is that in said place you can see the oldest cloister in the world.

Moissac Abbey, oldest cloister in the world

Together with the portico of the church, the aforementioned Moissac cloister has been declared Heritage awarded by the Unesco.

La Saint Peter's Abbey in Moissac It is one of the most notable stages of the Camino de Santiago French, and you must take it into account as a essential visit on your car route through the Tarn-et-Garonne department.

This abbey is located in a quiet and pleasant town of just over 12.000 inhabitants, on the banks of the Tarn river and the lateral canal of the Garona

La Moissac Abbey had its greatest peak between the 11th and 12th centuries, when up to one hundred monks from order of Saint Benedict.

His life revolved around eight sessions of daily prayer, manual work, and reading and writing manuscripts, which can now be consulted in the National Library of Paris.

What to see when visiting Moissac Abbey

In your visit of Moissac, this monastic complex that was consecrated in the year 1063 will be found in the very center of the town, next to some medieval houses that are still preserved.

Romanesque cloister of Moissac, World Heritage Site

There are two main corners that you should visit.

First, the Romanesque cloister, which dates back to the year 1100.

With an almost square shape, in the four galleries of the cloister there are up to 76 capitals, combining the double column and the single column.

Conclusion capitals of limestone, which with the passage of time remain somewhat deteriorated, which are supported by up to 116 stone columns.

These are the characteristic historic capitals of the Romanesque cloisters, in which, on its four sides, scenes from the Old and New Testament, of the life of the monks in the abbey, and you can also see floral decorations.

When you enter visit the Abbey of Saint Peter in Moissac Ask for the information in Spanish that will allow you to see what scene is represented in each of the capitals.

The arches that join the capitals were rebuilt in the 13th century with a pointed Gothic style.

Portico of the Moissac Abbey church

The other most prominent corner of this monastic complex will surely be what you will find first.

I mean the portico of the abbey church, which is located on its south side, in front of the Republic Street, the most central route of Moissac.

Sculpted between the year 1110 and 1130, in the cover tympanum represents the vision that San Juan had of Revelation, and in its center appears Christ surrounded by the four Evangelists and the 24 elders of the Apocalypse.

Inside the church you will find a single Gothic-style nave, where the paintings on its walls and its large organ will catch your attention.

Be sure to see in one of the chapels the sculpture of Entombment.

As a curiosity, during the 19th century the construction of the railway line linking Bordeaux with Séte led to the destruction of the refectory in the northern part of the abbey.

Come on, the train track crosses the abbey collaterally.

Visiting hours of the Moissac Abbey

The Moissac Abbey visiting hours They are, from July to September, from 10 a.m. to 19 p.m.

In the months of April, May, June and October, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 14 p.m. to 18 p.m., and from November to March, from 13,30:17 p.m. to XNUMX p.m.

Moissac Abbey entrance prices

The ticket prices to visit Moissac Abbey They are, the general rate, 6,50 euros; the reduced rate, 4,50 euros, for students, unemployed and pilgrims; and children from 1 to 7 years old, 1 euro.

For the visit you will have the help of a audio guide and brochure in Spanish, which gives you information about the portico and the cloister, with a duration of 45 minutes.

Or you can also sign up for guided tours in French which take place from April to October, every day of the year, and from November to March, on weekends, at 14,30:XNUMX p.m.

Photos of Moissac Abbey

Here you have more photos of Moissac Abbey, of its cloister and church.

Map: where it is and how to get to Moissac

La Moissac Abbey You find it in the center of the town of Moissac, located one hour by car north of Toulouse, south of France.