Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay, France

Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Abbaye_de_Fontenay.JPG
Author: TL


Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay is a Burgundian monastery in France founded in 1119 by St Bernard of Clairvaux. It contains a church, cloister, and living quarters, as well as bakery and ironworks. They are located in a forested valley some 60 km northwest of Dijon.

The Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay is a reflection of the self-sufficient lifestyle of the Cistercian monks living in such cloistered communities. After flourishing for many centuries, the abbey fell on hard times from the 18th century onwards, forcing the monks to demolish the refectory in 1745. The abbey finally closed down during the French Revolution, and was turned into a paper mill which functioned until 1902.

Gardens of the Abbey of Fontenay
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jardins_de_l_abbaye_de_Fontenay.JPG
Author: TL


In 1905 the Abbey of Fontenay was bought over and restored. All its original buildings were still there except for the demolished refectory. Today the abbey is set in a manicured lawn and gravel.

Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay was inscribed as a World Heritage Site during the 5th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Sydney, Australia, on 26 - 30 October, 1981.

World Heritage Site Inscription Details

Location: N 47 38 21.984 E 4 23 20.796
Inscription Year: 1981
Type of Site: Cultural
Inscription Criteria: IV

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