Church of St. Mary (Corneilla-de-Conflent)

The Church of St. Mary in Corneilla-de-Conflent, also known as the Abbey of St. Mary, is a Romanesque abbey church located in the commune of Corneilla-de-Conflent, in the Pyrénées-Orientales department of southern France. It is renowned for its early Romanesque architecture and its prominent role in the artistic and political landscape of the County of Conflent during the 11th and 12th centuries.

The abbey was founded in the 9th century, although the existing church was constructed primarily in the 11th and 12th centuries. The architecture displays characteristics of the First Romanesque style, also known as Lombard Romanesque, with its simple volumes, blind arcades, and pilasters. The church is built from local granite and features a well-preserved cloister dating back to the 12th century, showcasing intricate marble capitals sculpted with floral and animal motifs.

The Abbey of St. Mary served not only as a religious center but also as a political and economic force in the region. It held significant land holdings and exerted considerable influence over the surrounding communities. The abbey's scriptorium was a center for the production of illuminated manuscripts, contributing to the preservation and dissemination of knowledge during the Middle Ages.

Over the centuries, the abbey experienced periods of prosperity and decline. During the French Revolution, it was secularized and its assets were confiscated. However, the church and cloister were later restored and are now recognized as important historical monuments. Today, the Church of St. Mary is a popular tourist destination and a significant example of Romanesque architecture in the Pyrenees region.