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France, Castle - Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy

Mont Saint-Michel amazing fairytale castle fortress on a small rocky island in France , located on the border of two towns of Normandy and Brittany. Castle Monet Saint-Michel in 1979 is in the list of World Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

Castle of Mont-Saint-Michel is one of the most famous and most visited places in France after the capital - Paris . Every year, come visit the castle more than 2.5 million people. Admire the castle come not only for tourists and lovers of ancient architecture, but also people of faith as a pilgrimage..

Situated on a rocky island, the middle of the bay of Mont Saint-Michel (English Channel) proudly among shoals located castle of Mont-Saint-Michel. More precisely it is not just the castle-fortress island, ample buildings capable in case of an attack to protect their residents..

The entire castle is made mainly in the Gothic style. The main buildings were built in the period from the 11th to the 16th century. The island on which stands the Mont Saint-Michel, is separated from the main part of the Strait of mainland before nor any ways to get to the island was not, but to wait for low tide (which is 2 times a month) and wet, muddy bottom way to the castle.

Now there is a dam, 1.5 km long on which everyone can get into the castle. Mont Saint Michel boasts its interesting history of creating and building, not to mention the legends and fairy tales accompanying him..

On history: creation of Mont-Saint-Michel with the beginning of the year 709, when the Archangel Michael appeared to Bishop Aubert Holy and ordered him to build on this site Christian church. This was done, here, on a small island height of 80 meters above sea level, the first church was built and then the rest of the building, including the castle itself..

During construction of the Mont Saint-Michel soared wonders are everywhere, as if someone pointed out that over where to build and helped make the decision. Legend has it that the church was made to build on the site where the unthinkable way dew drew a circle, and a source of fresh water have Archangel Michael himself.

Gradually developed and being completed castle, now a fortress with numerous bastions, towers and monastic ensembles, technical buildings and other structures. Furniture of Mont Saint-Michel fit within one kilometer..

It should be noted that throughout its long history of Mont Saint-Michel was never caught! And sieges and battles he had enough. Back in the early days of the castle, he had to reflect the endless attacks of the Vikings, the Normans followed them, trying to capture, but to no avail British.

For Christians, the Mont Saint-Michel is a symbol of unbreakable faith. After the reign of Napoleon, by the way when it Mont-Saint-Michel was a prison, Abbey officially became a national treasure.

And today, in the highest tower of the castle, you can see the spire of the figure of the Archangel Michael, who we remember as instructed to create a church..