Potterheads Won’t Be Able To Take Their Eyes Off This 1000-YO Citadel That Looks Like Hogwarts

by Mallika Khurana
Potterheads Won’t Be Able To Take Their Eyes Off This 1000-YO Citadel That Looks Like Hogwarts

Harry Potter was a significant part of our childhood. We were just muggles before it introduced us to the magnificence of magic. The first time we saw a panning shot of Hogwarts on our screens, we were mesmerised. Wanting to see it in real life was all we thought about. What if we told you that dream could come true? Well, Le Mont-Saint-Michel is a thousand-year-old citadel in Normandy, France, and it looks straight out of a Harry Potter movie.

Le Mont-Saint-Michel Is Real-Life Hogwarts

Le Mont-Saint-Michel France
Photo Credits: Canva

Le Mont-Saint-Michel bears a strong resemblance to Hogwarts, the famous fictional school of witchcraft and wizardry in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Both Le Mont-Saint-Michel and Hogwarts share architectural elements like towering spires, narrow, winding streets, and grand stone structures. The magical atmosphere and stunning beauty of Le Mont-Saint-Michel certainly evoke the enchanting ambiance associated with Hogwarts.

While Le Mont-Saint-Michel is a real-life medieval abbey in France, its resemblance to Hogwarts adds to its charm and captivates the imaginations of visitors, making it a truly magical place. This citadel has a rich history dating back to the 8th century, when the first monastic establishment was built on the site.

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Le Mont-Saint-Michel Normandy
Photo Credits: Canva

Over the centuries, it served as a strategic fortification, a place of pilgrimage, and a centre of learning. The abbey’s architecture is a unique blend of Romanesque and Gothic influences. Its prominent features include the impressive abbey church, cloisters, defensive walls, narrow streets, and charming medieval buildings. It is often described as a “floating” island due to its isolation during high tide when it appears to be rising out of the water.

Recognising its historical and architectural importance, Le Mont-Saint-Michel was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.  It attracts millions of visitors each year who come to admire its beauty and immerse themselves in its rich cultural heritage. Le Mont-Saint-Michel has inspired numerous artists, writers, and filmmakers over the centuries. Its stunning beauty and unique location have made it a subject of fascination, often depicted in paintings, literature, and movies. Visiting this citadel is like stepping into a medieval fairy tale.

Its glorious architecture and rich history create a memorable experience for all who visit this iconic French landmark.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva

First Published: July 14, 2023 5:17 PM