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<p style="text-align: left;">The Church of St. Marie Madeleine, Vezeley, was constructed between 1104 and 1132 in Vezelay, France, and is one of the most impressive architectural achievements to come out of the Romanesque period. It is believed a monk named Baudillon once obtained some relics or bones from Mary Magdalene, which he then brought to the monastery. “In addition to being “the female apostle”, the saint was believed to specifically have the power to free captives and numerous prisoners who had been set free after suitable prayers brought their chains to Vezelay as a votive offering (Adrian Fletcher).” The church would become an important assembly point for pilgrims traveling through this area of France and would also be the location where the second crusade began (Humanistic Tradition, B2. 121).<!--more--></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Church of St. Marie Madeleine was very typical of the Romanesque style of architecture at the time. Using a wide variety of stone-vaulting techniques, the Romanesque design used transverse arches over the nave of the church which was well known for this type of architecture. Also synonymous with Romanesque style was the floor plan of the church which followed the Latin cross design of early Christian and Carolingian churches (Humanistic Tradition, B2. 119).</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">This church as well as other Romanesque churches can be considered innovative for their time because of the Norman masonry. The Norman stone-masons technical superiority is evident in many Romanesque churches at the time and allowed medieval architects to build on a grander scale. (Humanistic Tradition, B2. 119).</p>
The church was received well in its time for its great architecture and convenient location for traveling pilgrims. “The new church was dedicated on 21 April 1104, whereupon the citizenry revolted and killed the abbot for the high taxes they had been forced to pay for the church. By the 1120s they were rebuilding the nave, which had burned down (roasting 1,200 people), but still the pilgrims and ex-prisoners flocked in,” (Adrian Fletcher).
The reception of the Church from its time of construction to present day has obviously been one of sanctuary. It was always a place of refuge for travelers of any type traveling through the vast hills of France. The work has sheltered and provided aid to many people for many years. Therefore the preservation of the church is a must.

Personally my reaction to the work can only be made by photos which are astonishing. Seeing the amazing architecture of this church would be much better in person obviously but stands out the photos is definitely the archways. The large amount of weight held under the archways is quite impressive. Also on another note, the fact that it was a very important place of assembly, refuge and peace it is very apparent how important this work was at the time, and is now.

This work can be compared with many Romanesque churches of it time, specifically at the abbey of Jumieges. What is very apparent in this style of architecture is very tall twin towers, the Latin cross floor design and highly vaulted ceilings. These two churches also comprise of the large archways through the middle of the church as well. “Romanesque architects employed round arches and a uniform system of stone vaults in the upper zones of the nave and side aisles,” (Humanistic Tradition, B2. 119).
I believe what is most important for future generations is the innovation of masonry evident in the architecture of the Church of St. Marie Madeleine, Vezelay. Specifically Norman masonry, made this church as well as other Romanesque cathedrals quite an architectural sight to behold. What is also important for future generations to remember is the history of the church. It was built for a reason other than just worship. Monks, pilgrims, ex-prisoners and others were always welcome to take refuge there, as this almost became the sole purpose of this church. For many reasons other than the simple beauty of the work, the Church of St. Marie Madeleine must be preserved for future generations to see and admire.

Works Cited
Fiero, K Gloria. The Humanist Tradition, The Sixth Edition. Mcgraw-Hill, 2001.
Fletcher, Adrian. “The Abbey Church of Vezelay.” www.paradoxplace.com. Fletcher, Adrian.
19, March 2001.
Photos, 1,2,3,4 and 5:
Allison Stones