Eglise Sainte-Croix (Church of the Holy Cross), Bordeaux

The Eglise Sainte-Croix stands as a former Roman Catholic abbey on elevated terrain to the southern fringes of Bordeaux's city center. Originally established in the 7th century by adherents of the Merovingian dynasty, the abbey originated as a Benedictine monastery. The passage of time witnessed its reconstruction during the 11th and 12th centuries, resulting in the enduring Romanesque facade that graces the edifice to this day. Positioned adjacent to the city center, a petite stream named L’Eau Bourde, colloquially known as Foolish Water, demarcates its boundaries. Since 1890, the abbey has embraced a new role as the domicile of Ecole des Beaux Arts, a local institution fostering fine arts.

The Abbey's history is marked by tumultuous periods. While its precise founding date remains elusive, historical records reveal that Saint Benoit-sur-Loire, a venerated French monk, met his earthly end on these grounds in the year 679. The original edifice fell to ruin during the ravages of the Saracen incursion in 730. Subsequent attempts at reconstruction succumbed to the Norman raids of the 9th century, which besieged the city. Nonetheless, the Abbey's resilience shone through, leading to its resurgence and the erection of a more substantial church in the late 11th century. As the medieval era unfolded, the grand yet financially burdensome Eglise Saint-Croix gradually waned in usage by the monastic community, eventually prompting them to seek authorization for a new monastery. The Abbey's chapter turned anew in 1793 when it transitioned into a hospice, marking the conclusion of its over-millennium-long tenure as a hallowed sanctuary.