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Abbey · Caen, Normandy
Abbaye aux Dames (Abbey of the Holy Trinity of Caen)
Abbey founded by Queen Matilda, wife of William the Conqueror, in the 11th century, with the Romanesque Church of the Holy Trinity, where she is buried. The convent buildings house the Regional Council of Normandy.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Abbaye aux Dames (Abbey of the Holy Trinity of Caen)
The Abbey of Ladies was founded by Matilda of Flanders, wife of William the Conqueror, for a community of Benedictine nuns. Construction of the Church of the Holy Trinity began in the 1060s and continued until the early 12th century. The abbey sits on a rise east of the castle, opposite the Abbey of Men founded by the duke.
The church is an example of Norman Romanesque, with a two-tower façade and more than two hundred carved capitals. In the choir is Matilda’s tomb; she died in 1083 and is buried under a black marble slab. Beneath the choir is the 11th-century crypt of Saint Nicholas.
The convent buildings were rebuilt in the 18th century and house the Regional Council of Normandy. The crypt and the cloister rooms are only visited with a guide; the church is more freely accessible.
Beside the abbey, the Michel d'Ornano park, with a large cedar of Lebanon, offers one of the widest views over Caen.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half an hour for the church; about one hour including the guided visit to the crypt and cloister.
Best time
In the afternoon when guided visits take place, or late in the day for the park view. Check opening times before you go.
How to get there
It is on place Reine-Mathilde, east of the center, about a 10-minute walk from the castle.
Tip
Go to the cedar in Michel d'Ornano park for a view over the city. If time is short, combine it with a walk through the Vaugueux district on the way to the castle.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Abbaye aux Dames (Abbey of the Holy Trinity of Caen)
Where is Queen Matilda buried?
In the choir of the Church of the Holy Trinity, at the Abbey of the Ladies in Caen, beneath a black marble slab.
What occupies the Abbey of the Ladies?
The convent buildings, from the 18th century, house the Regional Council of Normandy. The church remains used for worship and open to visitors.
Can you see the crypt of the Abbey of the Ladies?
Yes, but only on the guided tour, which also includes the cloister rooms.