16th century Citeaux, perspective view (engraving)

History

The abbey was founded in 1098 by Saint Robert of Molesme , who becomes the first abbot, under the rule of Saint Benedict.

Saint Bernard, a monk of Cîteaux Abbey, left it to found Clairvaux Abbey in 1115, of which he was the first abbot. His influence in the Cistercian order and beyond is of prime importance, and he is probably the best known personality in the Cistercian Order. He reaffirmed the importance of strict observance to the rules of Saint Benedict.

The great church of Cîteaux, begun near 1140, was completed in 1193. The Dukes of Burgundy would be buried there.

The influence of the Cistercian Order was growing, owing much to Saint Bernard, and at the beginning of the 13th century the order had more than 500 houses. Cîteaux was then an importance center of Christianity. In 1244, King Louis IX of France (Saint Louis) and his mother Blanche of Castile visited the abbey.

During the Hundred Years' War, the monastery was pillaged in 1360 (the monks sought refuge in Dijon), 1365, 1434 and 1438.

In the beginning of the 16th century, the abbey was a strong community of about 200 people. The abbey was badly hit by the French Wars of Religion. The abbey then slowly declined for the next century. In 1698, the abbey only had 72 profess monks.

In 1791, during the French Revolution, the abbey was seized and sold by the government.

In 1898, the remains of the abbey were bought back; it was repopulated by monks of other abbeys.

Current activities

The monks, faithful to a tradition of manual work, sell their products to the public: the well reputed Cîteaux cheese, but also honey candies and caramels.

Related links

• Official site (in French)
• History of Cîteaux Abbey (in French)