Gate of the abbey of Fontenay, 15th century. The abbey of Fontenay was founded by Saint Bernard in 1118. Fontenay used to be a Cistercian abbey, i.e., it…
After a prosperity era between the 12th and the 15th century, during which the abbey population peaked at 200, the abbey declined and eventually became a paper…
Keeper's lodge in the main gate; the keeper's dog could pass its head through the hole in the wall.
13th century building: chapel of the outsiders (who were not allowed in the abbey) and bakery.
Dovecote, 13th century. The walls are 1m thick.
Abbey buildings.
Abbey buildings.
Abbey buildings: 19th and 16th century buildings.
Abbey buildings.
Left: monk rooms, 18th century; right: 19th century building.
Abbey church, 1139-1147. 66m long, 17m high.
The transept of the church used to lead to the cemetery.
Abbey church.
Abbey church: side aisle.
Our Lady of Fontenay, late 13th century.
Our Lady of Fontenay, late 13th century.
Following Saint Bernard's will, decoration in the church is very sparse so as to avoid loss of focus while praying.
Tomb slab.
Tomb slab.
Tomb slab.
