Monastery of Citeaux

The Monastery of Cîteaux, founded in 1098 in France, is the original monastery of the Cistercian Order, a religious community focused on prayer, work, and simplicity. Known for their commitment to a strict, Benedictine-inspired lifestyle, Cîteaux became a center of spiritual renewal and monastic reform across Europe. Their emphasis on manual labor, craftsmanship, and communal living fostered economic and cultural development. Today, it remains an important historical and spiritual site, symbolizing monastic dedication to asceticism, scholarly pursuits, and preserving a contemplative approach to faith.