Mont Saint Michel Size report
Mount Saint Michel, also known as Mont Saint Michel and its Bay, is a famous French attraction and a Catholic pilgrimage site. It is located on a small island in the province of Manche, two kilometers from the coast. On the top of the mountain is the famous Mont Saint-Michel Church.
The construction of Mont Saint Michel lasted for more than 60 springs and autumns, from the casting of the first cornerstone in 1017 to its completion in 1080. The church is divided into three parts: the altar, the transept, and the main hall. Since the uneven top of the mountain could not provide a wide and flat foundation, several buildings were built along the hillside to make the church be built on the same level.
Mount Michel is the third most holy place of Catholicism, except Jerusalem and the Vatican, with a long history and beautiful natural scenery. In 1979, Mont Saint-Michel and its bay were included in the World Heritage List by UNESCO. This scenic spot is maintained, repaired, and managed by the French National Monument Center.
Mont Saint Michel Size and Structure
The Bay of Saint-Malo, where Mont Saint Michel is located, is a tidal flat. The tides continuously wash up sediments, making Mont Saint-Michel an island only when the tide is high; it is connected to the mainland through the tidal flat during ebb tide, which is quite mysterious. It is one of the reasons why Mont Saint-Michel is so popular with tourists. The many alleys and stone steps lined with souvenir shops, restaurants, and museums are a reminder that this village has been a place of pilgrims and tourists since the Middle Ages.
The magnificent church, built for St. Michael the Archangel, is the product of a combination of great skill and artistic prowess combined with a unique natural setting. The church is a combination of Roman and Gothic architectural art. The cathedral is cross-shaped, and the altar, transept, and tomb or prayer room under the nave are masterpieces of Romanesque architectural craftsmanship. The corridor above the arched promenade on both sides is built with Roman-style arched windows to ensure the ventilation and lighting of the church. In stark contrast to the main hall is the Gothic three-story circular altar. The front of the church is a large porch with three arches, and the platform in front of the door is an ideal location to watch the sea tide.
Mont Saint Michel Dimensions
The bay of Mont Saint Michel covers an area of approximately 450 square kilometers and has one of the most spectacular tidal vistas in Europe. Mont Saint Michel is conical in shape with a circumference of 900 meters. The entire building complex is composed of towering granite, about 5-80 meters above sea level. Before the construction of the 900 meters long causeway that connects the island to land, it was particularly difficult to reach because of quicksand and very fast-rising tides.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Bay Size | 450 sq m |
| Mont Saint Michel Circumference | 900 m |
| Mont Saint Michel Elevation | 5-80 m |
Final Words
Mont Saint Michel is also an important pilgrimage site and cultural and academic center for Christianity, and some important manuscripts were created and preserved. Any tourist who sets foot on the island cannot miss this magnificent monastery on the top of the hill. The best time to visit Mont Saint-Michel is from the beginning of June to the end of October. If you're planning to go during high season, visiting before 10:00 am or after 4:00 pm is best to avoid the crowds. In addition, Mont Saint-Michel is illuminated from nightfall to midnight every day of the year.
