The Abbey of St. Maurice and laus perennis (perpetual hymn)

26 June 2023

The Abbey of St. Maurice (canton of Valais), the oldest monastery in the West, an uninterrupted functioning abbey and laus perennis (perpetual hymn), was founded in 515 by Sigismund (? – 524), king of the Burgundian kingdom (443-534).

The martyrdom of Saint Maurice and his Christian companions of the Roman Theban Legion lies at the origin of this holy Christian site.

The abbey church and the church of Martolet, built at the foot of the cliff, the baptistery, and the abbot’s palace are part of a vast monastic complex dating back to the 6th century, which reflects the abbey’s dual role as both a religious and secular institution.

The presence of a palace also testifies to its political power. The Aula, with an area of 400 m2, represented the abbot, the bishop and the (Burgundian) king.

(Source and further information: www.abbaye-stmaurice.ch).