Premonstratensian Abbey in Pont-à-Mousson

The Round Staircase: the only staircase not destroyed in 1944. Its eighty steps rise to the second floor in lines so pure and defined that, when standing in its centre, visitors will believe themselves to be looking up into infinity. The Oval Staircase: another magical place in the abbey. Strained-faced Atlas is putting forth superhuman efforts to support this staircase, making it seem light and airy, its soaring arches effortlessly swinging upwards. Each stone fits into the next, the treads of the low, broad steps are alternately convex and concave, creating a harmonious, Baroque whole which is rounded off to perfection by a wrought iron railing of consummate beauty from the workshops of artist blacksmith Jean Lamour in Nancy. The Square Staircase: an example of classic-style architecture. Its pure, elegant lines are omnipresent, even in the artistic details of the wrought iron balustrade. It is only on the second floor gallery that Nicolas Pierson`s Baroque signature is revealed: the architect had a penchant for stucco and wrought iron decorative elements with intertwined water-leaf motives. Being situated near the church, the staircase was nicknamed escalier des matines (stairway to prayer). All in all, the abbey has 20 rooms and can accommodate up to 250 persons.