Ladies' Abbey

The Abbaye aux Dames, in Caen

The Abbaye aux Dames is a jewel of Norman Romanesque art, founded by Queen Matilda, wife of William the Conqueror. The Caen audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this sanctuary and its Trinity abbey church.

The sanctuary of Queen Matilda

Founded in the eleventh century by Queen Matilda, wife of William the Conqueror, the Abbaye aux Dames responds, at the other end of the city, to the Abbaye aux Hommes. Its abbey church, dedicated to the Trinity, is a magnificent example of Norman Romanesque art, with a sober façade and fine vaults. It houses the tomb of Queen Matilda. The conventual buildings today host the regional council. It is one of the great religious and historic monuments of Caen.

What to see

You admire the Trinity abbey church, its Romanesque architecture, its fine vaults and the tomb of Queen Matilda, in an atmosphere of contemplation. The Abbaye aux Dames responds to the Abbaye aux Hommes and is among the great monuments of Caen. It is a major stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Abbaye aux Dames lies in the heart of Caen, reachable on foot. The abbey church, a place of worship, can be visited with respect for services; the visit of the conventual buildings, which house the regional council, follows its own hours and conditions, which vary. It is best to check the arrangements before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

Who founded the Abbaye aux Dames of Caen?

Queen Matilda, wife of William the Conqueror, in the eleventh century; her tomb is in the Trinity abbey church, a jewel of Norman Romanesque art.

Where is the Abbaye aux Dames?

In the heart of Caen, in Normandy.