Bellelay Abbey was founded in the 12th century. Today's church was built in the Baroque style between 1710 and 1714 according to plans by Austrian architect Franz Beer. At the end of the 18th century, Bellelay was occupied by French revolutionary troops and its church afterwards used as a brewery, glassworks, stable, barn and warehouse. In 1898 the former abbey became an asylum for the mentally ill. The church, registered as a historic building, was restored between 1957 to 1960 and is now a place where artists meet and where a painting exhibition is held every year.
Abbatiale de Bellelay - nave
Abbatiale de Bellelay - organ
tower and staircase
tower
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