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The Abbey of Sainte-Marie-des-Dames was the first Benedictine abbey for women in Saintes in Charante-Maritime in France. It was founded in 1047 by Geoffrey II, Count of Anjou and his wife Agnes. Later, Agnes would retire to the nunnery and die there. The Abbey enjoyed considerable influence until the 18th century. During the French Revolution it was turned first into a prison and then by royal decree into a barracks.
The photo shows the apse and the crossing tower.
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