Most Beautiful Cistercian Monasteries and Abbeys Around the World
Published April 12th, 2019
The Cistercian order is a Catholic monastic order distinguished by their simple lifestyle and self-sufficiency. It was founded by Benedictine monks seeking to closely follow the rules of St. Benedict.
In medieval Europe, the Cistercians made great contributions to the continent’s culture and technology. Their greatest contribution, however, lies in architecture. Cistercian buildings would help shape the world’s monastic life for many years to come.
One of the order’s founders, Abbot Bernard of Clairvaux, believed that religious buildings should be free from superfluous ornaments to avoid distraction from religious life. As a result, Cistercian monasteries and abbeys are more austere than their contemporaries. Despite this, most of them are still considered as some of the finest relics of the middle ages.
Cistercian architecture is utilitarian in nature. It uses smooth, pale stones for the columns and plaster works (if any) are kept simple. Ceilings are usually bare and windows are high and unadorned. It’s designed to make use of natural light to save on candles.
Because most of the Cistercian monasteries and abbeys were built in remote places, Cistercians have found ingenious ways to survive. They laid the foundation for hydraulics engineering and was also credited for the creation of Gothic architecture. Cistercian monks are also known for growing their own food. This explains why farms and vegetable gardens have become a staple feature of the Cistercian monastic life.
Today, several medieval Cistercian structures still survive and are even thriving. Here are some of the finest examples of Cistercian monasteries and abbeys around the world.
Built between 1159 and 1189, this architectural marvel is built by architects from Burgundy. You’ll find it nestled 9 km west from Villefranche-de-Rouergue in southern France. It also holds the distinction of being the first Gothic building in that area. The abbey’s original structure stayed true to the Cistercian architectural principles. It’s simple with minimal decorations and takes advantage of natural light for illumination.
Like most ancient monasteries, Loc-Dieu has been through a lot of ups and downs too. The English burnt it to the ground in 1409 and it would take another 60 years before it was built back up. The French government sold off the abbey’s assets during the revolution. In 1812, the Cibiel family bought it back and their descendants still live there to this day.
Also known as the Abbey of Notre-Dame-des-Neiges, it is home to Trappist monks since 1850. It burnt down in 1912 but was subsequently rebuilt. Today, it’s one of the famous landmarks in the region of Ardeche in south-central France. The large expanse of forests and valleys surrounding the abbey makes it an ideal place for silence and contemplation. They also offer retreat programs and pilgrim hikes. You can even buy Trappist wines and liquors in the souvenir shop located right outside the abbey’s entrance.
Situated in Caldey Island in Wales, it’s one of only a handful of Cistercian abbeys in England. Though the island had been the center of Cistercian religious activities since the Celtic times, the current building wasn’t built until 1910. Trappists monks moved there from Belgium in 1928 and are still occupying the abbey today.
Monks living in this monastery are entirely self-sufficient. They make and sell shortbread, perfume, and chocolate. The island’s weather and vegetation also enabled the monks to produce prime beef. Even if the island is quite far from the mainland, the monks don’t have to worry about water shortage during dry seasons. The abbey is built with two large underground water tanks and a narrow water shaft to store excess water during rainy seasons.
Built on the slopes of Knockmealdown mountains in Waterford, Ireland, this monastery has been around since 1833. It’s a home for Trappist monks seeking a simple monastic life grounded the principles of evangelical poverty.
Guests and visitors can enjoy soups, sandwiches and a selection of cakes made by the monks themselves in the abbey’s tea room. They also have a heritage center where you can learn about the abbey’s history and a bookshop with a wide selection of Christian books and religious items. The abbey hosts personal retreat experiences too for those who want to seek a deeper connection with God in a quiet and tranquil setting.
Sulejow abbey is listed in 2012 as one of Poland’s national historical monuments. Its romanesque fortifications stopped the Mongol invasion in the 13th century. The abbey was dissolved in 1810 and had been used for industrial and commercial purposes. Today, the surviving building is used by the town’s parish.
Founded shortly after World War II in Poland, the abbey is a typical example of baroque architecture. It’s used to be occupied by the German Grüssau community after they were expelled by Silesia. In 1947, Polish Benedictine nuns expelled from Lviv resettled in the abbey. Today, this Cistercian monastery is primarily used as a Benedictine guesthouse and retreat venue.
The current abbey building sits at the site of an 11th-century wood and stone church in Varnhem, Västergötland, Sweden. When the original church was burnt in 1234, Swedish nobles rebuilt the abbey in the Gothic style. Like other medieval European churches, it stood witness to a number of battles. Parts of the building were neglected for several years before being completely restored in 1923. At present, only the abbey church can be seen standing amidst the ruins of other abbey buildings.
Located on the slopes of Spencer, Massachusetts in the US, it holds the distinction of being the first Trappist brewery outside of Europe. The abbey’s monks produce and sold fruit preserves to support themselves. They are also engaged in producing liturgical vestments under the brand name Holy Rood Guild. Most of the abbey’s buildings are open to the public except for some parts that are reserved for monastic functions.
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About The Author
Judy Ponio is a professional writer for the Lay Cistercians blog and a devoted Catholic. She works hard to ensure her work uses accurate facts by cross checking reputable sources.
