Abbey of Saint-Génis-des-Fontaines

Nestled in the heart of the Albères mountains, the Abbey of Saint-Génis-des-Fontaines is a jewel of Romanesque heritage, founded during the Carolingian era. It is distinguished by an exceptional feature : the sculpted lintel of its abbey church, precisely dated to 1019-1020 , considered the earliest known dated Romanesque sculpture in Europe . This work, both simple and expressive, marks a turning point in the history of medieval art.

The abbey also houses a late Romanesque cloister from the 13th century , remarkable for its architectural simplicity, the elegance of its capitals, and the natural polychromy of its marbles , typical of the region. This place, both understated and refined, invites contemplation.

Over the centuries, the abbey has been deeply marked by history – the French Revolution , the Treaty of the Pyrenees , pillaging and abandonment – before being reborn thanks to a major restoration completed in 1994. Today, it powerfully testifies to the resilience of Catalan religious heritage and constitutes a major stop on the Romanesque routes in Roussillon.