Abbaye Sainte-Marie-Madeleine de Vézelay

The current basilica was built after a predecessor structure was destroyed by fire in 1120. Construction of the nave began immediately thereafter and was completed by 1140. Between 1145 and 1150, the narthex, or fore-church, was added. Following another fire, the choir and transept were built in an early Gothic style from 1185 to 1215. The southwest tower with its wooden spire and the High Gothic west facade followed around 1260. In 1819, the spire burned down. The church was handed over to the French community Fraternité de Jérusalem for use in 1993 and stands as a significant testament to medieval architecture, largely preserved from decay by restoration work carried out by Viollet-le-Duc.

The Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine is located in Vézelay, in the Yonne department of the Bourgogne (Burgundy) region in France. It stands at an elevation of approximately 298 m above sea level.

Today, the church is publicly accessible and can be visited. Visitors can experience the unique atmosphere of the interior, particularly the contrast between the darker nave and the brighter choir. Of particular note are the richly detailed capitals, which depict biblical stories and moralizing themes in an impressive manner.

• Château de Faulin (castle), approx. 12.8 km away
• Château de La Tour (castle), approx. 13.6 km away
• Château de Mailly-le-Château (château), approx. 16.6 km away
• Abbaye de Reigny (sacred building), approx. 20.0 km away