Abbey of Cîteaux

The Abbey of Cîteaux is a historic monastery founded in 1098 in France, serving as the original monastery of the Cistercian Order. It was established by Benedictine monks seeking a return to stricter monastic discipline and simplicity, emphasizing prayer, manual work, and communal living. The abbey became a spiritual and cultural center, influencing the development of numerous Cistercian monasteries worldwide. Known for its Romanesque architecture and peaceful rural setting, Cîteaux played a key role in reforming monastic life in the Middle Ages and remains an important symbol of monastic heritage.