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Abbey of Fontenay
Submitted by France.com on September 10, 2009 - 10:49am.Our visit today takes us in the past to the best preserved of all the Cistercian abbeys, listed in the UNESCO World Heritage. Like the sister abbeys, Fontenay is located in a very secluded place. Saint Bernard de Claivaux, the founder of the Cistercian order, had stated the monasteries had to be established far from towns and villages, in order to keep monks in an industrious atmosphere, away from any contact with the world.
In fact, this jewel of Romanesque architecture remains exactly like it was at the time of its construction. Founded in 1118, the abbey was finished at the end of the century. It could accommodate 300 monks, and its influence was tremendous.
In fact, this jewel of Romanesque architecture remains exactly like it was at the time of its construction. Founded in 1118, the abbey was finished at the end of the century. It could accommodate 300 monks, and its influence was tremendous.
