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History of the parish of Donnemarie-Dontilly

The parish of Donnemarie-Dontilly is one of the best preserved in the Ile de France region. The church of Notre Dame dates from the thirteenth century.

The cloister from the church to the chapel dates from the fifteenth century. In the centre, the former churchyard has been turned into a medieval garden with the theme “life and death”. In the tradition of gardens in the Middle Ages, it is a representation of Paradise. Twelve rectangles evoke both the twelve apostles and the twelve months of the year.

As in the thirteenth century, the rectangles bordered with red sandstone have to produce a harvest. The medicinal plant beds are fenced by woven willow hurdles. The heights, the rounded corners and the variety of weaves with one or three stems, are based on old documents.

French churches, cathedrals, chapels, religious monuments in seine-et-marne
Religious buildings in Seine-et-Marne: Churches, abbeys, cathedrals, chapels

Religious buildings in Seine-et-Marne: Churches, abbeys, cathedrals, chapels
French churches, cathedrals, chapels, religious monuments in seine-et-marne

The centreparts of the beds recall the symbolic stories of the fifteenth century, and are bordered by manicured box hedges, which are more decorative. The oak and chestnut balustrade, a replica from a miniature of the period, forms the boundary of the “closed garden” where angelica and lilies grow. The plants, which were commonly used in the Middle Ages, bring back forgotten scents.

French churches, cathedrals, chapels, religious monuments in seine-et-marneUseful information:

This charming garden is open every day and is free.

 
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