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Tournus Abbey: Chapel of St. Michael

Chapel of St. Michael

Exterior of the first-floor Chapel of St. Michael, looking west from the south aisle. The chapel dates from the early 11th century and accessed via a narrow spiral staircase to the right of the narthex. It is the strongest part of the church and looks much like a castle with its strong masonry and arrow-slit windows (the ones visible from the west front). This chapel served not only as a spiritual sanctuary but also a place of refuge and defense during invasions, which were fairly frequent in the Middle Ages.

Credit: Holly Hayes