The Royal Abbey of Saint-Riquier in the Somme administrative department of what was once the province of Picardy is regarded as a jewel of Gothic architecture. Founded by a Frankish abbot and hermit called Richarius — who would become Saint Riquier — in 625, it is located over a spring that had once been the object of a pagan cult. The Royal in the abbey’s name came into being when it came under the protection of Dagobert I in 632. The original building was looted and damaged over the centuries but a brilliant restoration work was carried out in the 17th century and so it remains today one of the most beautiful buildings in France as well as a cultural center in the region hosting exhibitions, concerts, conferences, theater and artists in residence.

The old French province of Picardy where the Abbey is located has always been propitious for growing roses. And so fittingly within its walls the unique history of the rose and its place in history, medicine, art, cosmetics and gastronomy is unfolding in an exhibition entitled Rosemania. Some 400 works of art, objects and documents emanating from public and private collections have been brought together for the show. The rose, like so may flowers originally grew in the wild before becoming one of the most cultivated flowers in the world. There are over 30,000 rose varieties in the world today.

While the rose show is on until March 30th, Saint-Riquier Abbey is worth a visit in and of itself not only for its rich cultural program but for the quality and diversity of its architecture ranging from its Carolingian origins to the flamboyant Gothic architecture of its church where you can even take lantern-lit tours on certain dates. The gardens are noteworthy as well. And so the heritage of Saint Riquier lives on. He was born in the region near the city of Amiens, becoming a priest after rescuing two Irish missionaries from a murderous band of local pagans, explains Catholic Online. After founding the abbey and presiding over it as the abbot, he would later resign and spend his remaining days as a hermit. https://culture.somme.fr/
©Trish Valicenti for The Gourmet Gazette