Abbaye de Cîteaux

The founding house of the Cistercian Order, the Abbaye de Cîteaux remains a center of monastic life and a testament to the order’s enduring legacy.

Site History & Significance

Founded in 1098 by a group of Benedictine monks led by Saint Robert of Molesme, the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Cîteaux became the cradle of the Cistercian Order. The abbey’s austere architecture and devotion to simplicity shaped the movement that spread across Europe and United States, influencing religious and economic life through its network of daughter houses. During the Middle Ages, the abbey flourished as a center of learning and agricultural innovation, renowned for its scriptorium and illuminated manuscripts. However, it suffered significant losses during the French Revolution, with many of its structures dismantled or repurposed. 

About the Project

The définitoire, an essential space within the abbey, served as a gathering place for decision-making among the Cistercian leadership. Over centuries, exposure to humidity and structural shifts have led to the deterioration of its walls, woodwork and plaster. The current restoration project aims to stabilize and preserve this historically significant room, ensuring it continues to reflect the abbey’s profound spiritual and architectural heritage.

Work includes reinforcement of the timber framework, restoration of decorative elements and treatment of materials to prevent further degradation. By safeguarding this space, the project contributes to the broader effort of preserving Cîteaux’s monastic legacy for future generations.

Abbaye de Cîteaux Today

Nestled in the serene landscape of Burgundy, the Abbaye de Cîteaux remains an active monastery, home to a small community of monks dedicated to prayer, work and hospitality. It welcomes visitors interested in its rich history and spiritual traditions. The abbey is particularly known for its cheese production, which follows traditional Cistercian methods. Guided tours allow visitors to explore the historic buildings, including the restored définitoire, providing insight into the daily life of the monks and the abbey’s centuries-old mission of contemplation and stewardship.