The village of Vézelay, located about 156 m on a hill above the Cure, has become one of the most important pilgrimage destinations of Christendom. The relics of Mary Magdalene are reputed to be housed in its Carolingian crypt. Tourists follow in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims, ascending the narrow main street of Vézelay up to the majestic former abbey church Ste-Madeleine. Built on a site where an abbey was founded in 864, Ste-Madeleine (11th - 13th century) is the largest abbey church (120 m long) in France. It was renovated in the 19th century (1840-59). The façade dates from 1150 and has a large 13th century window which was restored in 1840 by Viollet-le-Duc. Of particular note are its magnificent sculptures in the Tympanum and the capitals in the nave.
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