Perched on a hill top in the heart of the Massif du Canigou, the ancient Benedictine abbey of Saint Martin has been discretely overlooking the Cady valley since the 11th Century.

This unique site with its Lombard steeple, marble capitals, abbey and vaulted crypt is a jewel of early Romanesque art.

It is one of the highlights of Conflent’s Romanesque heritage and visiting the Abbey of St. Martin du Canigou also enables you to walk around and enjoy the stunning local natural beauty and breathtaking views.

A Brief History of the Abbey of St. Martin du Canigou

The abbey was founded in 1009 by Guifred II, Count of Conflent and Cerdanya. The ancient Benedictine Abbey of St. Martin du Canigou enjoyed a golden age until 1783 when it was abandoned, confiscated during the French Revolution some years later and finally bought by a local landowner. The abbey’s ruins were rebuilt and restored in the 20th century by the Catalans. Since 1988, the abbey has been entrusted to the Communauté des Beatitudes, whose mission is prayer and to welcome both tourists and those in search of spirituality.

The Abbey of St. Martin du Canigou is on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.

The Communauté des Beatitudes welcomes tourists and pilgrims all year round for guided visits of the abbey and worship. The Community also serves as a retreat for those in search of spiritual renewaL.

For information concerning guided visits, mass and prayer times and addmission prices : please click here