Chicago eagle. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1889-19??, 1894-09-29
MONT ST. MICHEL.


For Ages II Has Bcen the site Of Some
Religious Building.
Edward II. Elwell, IT.. writing OF
the experiences of party Of Amer.
can bicyclers at Mont ST. Michel, of
the coast of France, St Nicholas,
says:
The Mon: st. Michel Is nearly two
miles from the mouth of the river
1t Is but fifteen minutes walk around
the rocky beach at Its base. Its
height is over $50 feet. 1t sides are
nearly as steep as the side Of a
house.
For ages 1t has been the site of
some religious building. The 10.
mans found a heather temple there.
and replaced IL by an altar to their
own Jupiter. The coming Of Chris.
tianity saw the beginning Of the
present wonderful structures, the
growth of centuries. The top Of the
rock Is Just large enough for tne
beautiful Gothic Cathedral that COW
ers 1t. In size, detail, and carving
It equals many Of the most famous
cathcdrals OF Europe. Above part
of the building there Is a promenade
that Is 4oO feet above the sand.
Around the base of the cathedral.
and Of course built upon the steep,
rocky slopes, Is q mass OF huge stone
buildings that have served through
the centuries as monastery, PRISON,
aud feudal stronghold. They conceal
all but the upper half of the cathe.
dral, which they entirely surround.
The lowest foundation Is $50 feet
above the sand.
The whole constitutes one mighty
structure, u vast maze Of great stone
halls, with rows Of carved pillars. OF
endless passages. broad flights OF steps
and spiral stalrways, Of hDrrible dun.
geons and gloomy vaults The stone
| Of which IL IL built was all brought
from the mainland, nearly two miles,
and. OF course, hauled over the sand
Block by block, the stone was brought
across the sands no sted up the steep
cliffs 10y means OF windlasses, and
then shaped aud carved with Infinite
patience and rare skill. The build.
Ing went on at different times be-
tween the 9TH and IIth centuries:
and since then separate parts have
been many times destroyed and re.
stored. The architectural beauty and
wonderful carving Of these buildings
would alone make them famous. But
because OF their unique location. and
also because they were built by the
monks who possessed here little
Kingdom of their own. so rich and
powerful were they when they &c
cOmplishcd the stupendous task, -
this browning glory OF Mont st. Michel
will long remain one Of the marvel,
OF the world, and be to France al
most what the Pyramids are Il
Egypt.
There Is u tiny village on the cnl,
accessible side Of the Mount. There
Is room for just one short, narrow
street, behind the high walls tina
rise from tho edge OF the sand. Or
all other sides the stcepDess OF tn,
clltf itself Is It's defense. In the vii
lage there are about two hundred
people, descendants Of the origina
Inhabitants OF the mainland, VIII,
fled into places OF safety before tn,
attacks Of the Norsenicn, over on
thousand years ago. They are al
fishermen. except the proprietors Q
! the three hotels. 1t Is but recent
that this quaint little village, S
! Queerly 10 ated, has been made ~
cessiblc to visitors unless under tn
T. guidance of those who had learne
}. by experience how to cross the san
and escape It's dangers. FOR In numel
Gus and ever.changing places til
. surface Is as yielding as that of tn
, ocean itself, and strong indeed woll
he the swimmer who could supper
: himself In u Quicksand!
, But nine years ago the FIencl
Government built u magnificent dix
/. or stone causeway from the shore I
| the Mount, ard over its smooth SUI
Q face We FASTENED. that Septembc
afternoon, on our swift wheels, cage
=, to reach the wonderful rock and II
F.. still more wonderful buildings. tina
had loomed before our vision durin,
q whole hour Of rapid riding.