Located in the northern part of Burgundy, the Cistercian Abbey of Cîteaux was founded in 1119 by Robert of Molesme, one of the most influential figures of his time. Saint Bernard joined the newly established Cîteaux order, aiming to restore the austerity of life among Western monks.
The walls of the abbey forbade decorations, paintings, and sculptures, as well as any forms of embellishment or distractions for the eyes. Consequently, the buildings of the Cîteaux order in Europe have garnered admiration from those in search of clarity, logic, and simplicity in architecture. The church at Fontenay was constructed between 1139 and 1147. In addition to the cloister and the refectory built simultaneously with the church, there is a heated room, dining hall, and a long vaulted room, which have been well-preserved, along with the sleeping quarters featuring trusses that were modified in the 15th century.
Among the auxiliary buildings is a blacksmith’s workshop, one of the oldest industrial facilities in Europe. Abandoned in the 18th century and later sold, the abbey suffered minimal damage under its subsequent owners, and by 1902, all activities had ceased. Four years later, the new owner undertook the restoration of the abbey, successfully achieving his goals.
Today, the costly maintenance work has been diligently continued by later heirs with the assistance of the state. The abbey was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1981.
