Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The monastery of Sainte-Enimie, established in the sixth century by Saint Ilere, bishop of Gevaudan, quickly fell into disuse. Although the texts on Saint Enimia (VIIth century) do not explicitly evoke the monks, the site was already linked to its memory. In the 10th century, the monastery, then abandoned, was restored in 951 by Bishop Étienne de Mende, who entrusted it to Dalmace de Saint-Théofred under the Benedictine rule. The relics of Enimia, a Merovingian princess, were already venerated, attracting pilgrims.

The restoration of 951 made the monastery a saviour (land free of lords), sealed by an act signed in Rome before Pope Agapet II. Under the leadership of the monks of Saint-Chaffre, the site enjoyed increasing prosperity, thanks in particular to pilgrimages. In the 15th century, it may have become an abbey: François Alamand, the first abbot of the trade (1459–91), obtained royal and papal protections. The monastery then had 12 monks and enjoyed privileges, such as a winter heating granted in 1597.

The French Revolution marked the end of the monastery: secularized in 1790, sold as a national good, then dismembered. Today only the former refectory (with a 15th century fireplace) and the Romanesque chapel Sainte-Madeleine, classified in 1932 remain. These remains, arranged in squares on a platform, bear witness to its medieval architecture, mixing cradle vaults and carved capitals. The modern chapel of the Hermitage houses the legendary cave of St.Enimie.

The site was a place of spiritual and political power: the prior was entitled to enter the states of Gevaudan. The alienations of monastic property were cancelled in 1491 by Innocent VIII. After 1790, the buildings occasionally served as exhibition space. The Abbey illustrates the monastic history of Upper Geneva, between Merovingian legends and feudal realities.

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