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The statue of the Archangel Michael, which crowns the spire of the abbey church of Mont Saint-Michel, is one of the most distinctive and significant symbols of this historic sanctuary. The tip of the spire where the statue is placed reaches an altitude of approximately 170 meters above sea level, making it visible from the entire island and even from the surrounding bay. This demonstrates Mont Saint-Michel's deep connection to the faith of Michael, as its name literally means the "Mount of Saint Michael."

The Creation and Installation of the Statue

The statue of Michael currently installed atop the spire was created as part of the restoration and reconstruction work at the end of the 19th century. Following the devastation after the French Revolution and subsequent restoration efforts, a Gothic Revival style bell tower and spire were constructed for the abbey church of Mont Saint-Michel in the late 19th century. This spire was completed in 1897, and the gilded statue of Michael, sculpted by Emmanuel Frémiet, was placed on its summit.

Frémiet’s statue of Michael is often depicted carrying a sword and sometimes scales. This symbolizes Michael’s role not merely as the chief of angels, but also as the weigher of souls (judge) in Christian tradition. He is also a symbol of the battle against the devil, and his majestic figure visually expresses Mont Saint-Michel's role as a fortress of faith. The statue's surface, covered in gold leaf, reflects sunlight, making its presence stand out even from afar.

The Cult of Michael and the History of Mont Saint-Michel

The history of Mont Saint-Michel begins with a legend from the early 8th century, in which Aubert, Bishop of Avranches, received a message from the Archangel Michael instructing him to build a sanctuary on this rocky outcrop. Michael is regarded as the chief of the heavenly host, tasked with fighting evil, protecting souls, and weighing them at the time of judgment. In the Middle Ages, pilgrims journeyed to this "Mount of Saint Michael," and the abbey flourished as the center of this faith. The statue of Michael atop the spire visually and symbolically conveys this long history of faith and the presence of the Archangel who is said to have descended upon this place.

Restoration and Maintenance of the Statue

As the outdoor statue is constantly exposed to wind, rain, and salt damage from the sea, regular inspection and restoration are required. In the past, large-scale restoration work has involved lowering the statue to the ground by helicopter. During restoration, the gold leaf is reapplied and structural reinforcement is carried out, maintaining the statue’s aesthetic beauty and safety. These restoration works show that the statue is not merely a decoration, but a vital cultural asset that embodies the historical and religious value of Mont Saint-Michel. Today, the statue remains an indispensable and symbolic element of the Mont Saint-Michel landscape for both pilgrims and tourists.