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The
European Route of Cistercian abbeys
 Nine centuries ago, Robert de Molesme founded
the "New Monastery" of Cīteaux, following the principles
of the Rule of Saint Benedict: pray far from the world and live
on the work of his hands. Coming from Burgundy in 1098,
the Cistercian Order grew rapidly throughout the European
continent, bringing together some 750 abbeys of men
and 1 000 monasteries of nuns.
Date and countries
Incorporated into the programme
"The Council of Europe Cultural
Routes": 2010
Countries: Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
Presentation
 The Cistercian Order has a rich history
continues today, in the heart of the evolution
of the Roman Church and the European
states. The "white monks" are revealed
as exemplary constructors participating
in the development of rural areas, controlling
the hydraulic and agricultural techniques
most advanced - through their barns,
cellars, mills, foundries - and contributing
since the Middle Age at the development
of art, knowledge and understanding
in Europe.
The European Route of
Cistercian abbeys proposes to give
meaning to the Cistercian heritage that
our age has inherited, through rural tourism
of discovery and quality, educational
and cultural events, use of new digital
tools adapted to cultural heritage
conservation and promotion.
Cultural and touristic Association created in 1993,
the European Charter of Cistercian abbeys and sites unites
nearly 200 sites in 11 European countries, opened to the
public, managed by local and national governments, privates,
cultural associations. Combining a scientific committee
composed of researchers, historians and archaeologists,
the Charter provides ongoing training and transmission
of the Cistercian culture through Europe.
(Photo: Escaladieu Abbey, Bonnemazon, France)
More information
E-mail:
abbaye.clairvaux@orange.fr
Website: www.cister.net
Press file of the "Cultural Routes" award to the European Route of Cistercian abbeys
- Escaladieu Abbey (France), 10 Decembr 2010 (French
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