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Work of construction of the abbey Notre-Dame-du-Thoronet begins in 1160, is completed essentially in 1175, and is prolonged until 1190. At the beginning of XIIIème century, the monastery shelters a score of monks and a few tens of brothers convers. Less than two centuries later, the decline of the abbey is already started. In 1660, the prior gives a report on “the great need which the buildings of this abbey have to be repaired being in bad state”. In 1699, there are cracks and collapses of the roofs, broken doors and dilapidated windows… In 1790, seven old monks still reside at it. The disappearance of the abbey threatens when, it discovering, Prosper Mérimée saves it by announcing it to Revoil, architect of the historic buildings. Since 1873, this last attempts to restore it. This restoration is taken again after 1907 by its successor Formigé, and since then continues.

I've stitched 4 photos to make this.