The constant flow of worshipers and pilgrims allowed a small village to evolve within the Mont's castle walls.
To protect the sanctity of the monasteries, however, every effort was made to shield the monks from contact with visitors and residents.
Over time, the community of Mont Saint Michel developed a social structure of its own.
Special quarters were built to accommodate pilgrims of higher social standing, while dungeons, deep below the monasteries, were added to house criminals and those accused of sacrilege.
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