Cistercian Abbey of Clairvaux

The Cistercian Abbey of Clairvaux, founded in 1115 in France, was a major monastic center established by the Cistercian order, a reform branch emphasizing manual labor, simplicity, and spiritual discipline. Known for its large, austere architecture, it became a hub of religious devotion and intellectual activity. The abbey played a significant role in medieval Christianity, fostering monastic reform movements and producing influential figures like St. Bernard of Clairvaux. Over centuries, it shaped regional history and religious practices, though it declined after the dissolution of monasteries in France in the 18th century. Today, its remains symbolize medieval monastic life and spiritual heritage.