Benedictine Library

The library of the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Mihiel was founded in Carolingian times. The first manuscripts and books were collected and assembled by order of the church. With the invention of the printing press in the 15th century, the compilation grew rapidly. After having been relocated several times, it was permanently installed in 1775 in the magnificently decorated rooms, especially created to accommodate the precious collection. The commune of Saint-Mihiel has the rare privilege to still possess to this day the overwhelming majority of the original collection assembled so long ago by the Benedictine monks and to still be able to present it in its original location. And all that despite the fact that there have been some setbacks and losses: for example in 1791, when confiscations were imposed during the dechristianisation of France, or in 1848 when the commune of Saint-Mihiel assumed ownership of the library, or last but not least, during the devastating years of World War I.