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The Kitchen / Smokehouse, Fontevrault Abbey, Chinon, France
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The Kitchen / Smokehouse, Fontevrault Abbey, Chinon, France
The Kitchens / Salmon Smokehouse, Fontevrault Abbey, Near Chinon, Anjou, Loire Valley, France - pictured before restoration (before the chimneys were added back on). The byzantine kitchens, built in Charente stone are an architectural peculiarity of the Royal Abbey, built in octagonal form, its roof prickling with pointy chimneys and fish-scale slating, providing much debate for architectural historians. Within, fish (mostly salmon, then abundant in the Loire) was prepared, constituting the nuns staple diet. Date: circa 1910s
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Media ID 11585003
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Abbaye Anjou Bizarre Byzantine Chimneys Chinon Conical Environs Kitchen Kitchens Loire Pointy Restoration Restored Tiles Tiling Unesco Unusual Wild Charente Fontevraud Fontevrault Salmon Smokehouse
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the unique and intriguing architecture of The Kitchens, or Smokehouse, at Fontevrault Abbey in Chinon, France. Built in the Charente stone typical of the Loire Valley, these octagonal structures date back to the 1100s and are a fascinating architectural anomaly of the Royal Abbey. Before their recent restoration, the kitchens featured conical towers with pointy chimneys and fish-scale slating, sparking much debate among architectural historians. The Byzantine-style kitchens were used primarily for preparing fish, mainly salmon, which was a staple food source for the nuns residing at the abbey. The Loire River, abundant with wild salmon, was just a short distance away. The unique design of the kitchens allowed for the smoke from the fires to rise through the chimneys and infuse the fish with a distinct smoky flavor. The Fontevrault Abbey, located in the Anjou region of the Loire Valley, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its historical significance. The kitchens, with their bizarre yet beautiful architecture, are a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of this remarkable place. The restoration of the chimneys and tiling has only added to their allure, making them a must-see attraction for visitors to the area. This photograph, taken in the 1910s, offers a glimpse into the past and the unique architectural peculiarities of Fontevrault Abbey. The kitchens, with their unusual conical towers and distinctive chimneys, continue to intrigue and inspire, standing as a testament to the fascinating history of this remarkable place.
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