Casadean Sites
"Cultural Route of the Council of Europe" decertified in 2017
("Cultural Route of the Council of Europe" certified in 2012)
Born in La Chaise-Dieu in 1050, the Casadean congregation, following the rule of St. Benedict, spread rapidly and prospered throughout Western Europe. For over seven centuries, the Chaise-Dieu abbey was the head of a large network of abbeys and priories.
Heritage
The word “Casadean” comes from Casa Dei, “house of God” in Latin: it is the name that the abbey received before becoming “Chaise-Dieu”, “the place where God resides”. A Casadean site is therefore an element of architecture (abbey, priory, barn…) or an element of landscape which was attached to the Benedictine Congregation of La Chaise-Dieu and depended on the mother abbey.
Travelling today
Along this route the traveller can enjoy the most fascinating places located in different European landscapes and territories. This encapsulates an important aspect of the monk's perspective: organising territories in tune with both nature and human activity. In addition, many exhibitions are organised around the theme of the Casadean sites, and abundant information material can help the traveller gain an understanding of this fascinating cultural heritage.
Council of Europe values
The route hopes to contribute to building a humane Europe, based on this historic network. It therefore promotes cooperation and brings together cultural and touristic values around the Casadean heritage, with a view to engendering meaningful socio-economic development across Europe and promoting the principles of sustainable development, laid down by the Casadeans monks, in the territories of the abbeys.
Contact
Réseau européen des sites casadéens
Place Lafayette
43160 La Chaise-Dieu (FRANCE)
