Clairvaux abbey, whose mother house was the Cîteaux Abbey, was a Cisterian monastery originally founded in 1115 by St-Bernard of Clairvaux. Located in Ville-sous-la-Ferté in Northeastern France, the building is a good example of the general layout a Cisterian monastery. It consisted strong walls and was equipped with watchtowers and other defences at different intervals. Furthermore, there was both an inner and outer yard. The church had a vast nave of 11 bays, a wide transept, and a short apsidal choir. To the east of the transepts were two square chapels, while nine circular ones surrounded the apse. The four eastern bays of the nave were dedicated to the monks' stalls, while the western bays were for the lay brothers. Essentially, half of the monastery was for the literate monks (writing of manuscripts and reading), while the other half was dedicated to manual work done by the lay brothers. The cloister was at the South side in order to let the most sunshine in. Burials at the Abbey include Philip I, Count of Flanders, St-Malachy, Bernard of Clairvaux, and Theresa of Portugal, Countess of Flanders.
Unfortunately, the powerful abbey was confiscated during the Revolution and sold to an Industrialist. Today, the grounds are now occupied by the high-security prison of Clairvaux.
Unfortunately, the powerful abbey was confiscated during the Revolution and sold to an Industrialist. Today, the grounds are now occupied by the high-security prison of Clairvaux.
Plan of the Clairvaux Abbey
Clairvaux Abbey 1140
Here is a link to a video of the 3D reconstruction of the Abbey (my apologies, it is in French) : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUcxOvQO5JE&feature=youtu.be
Sources:
"Abbaye de Clairvaux". Accueil- Site de l'Abbaye de Clairvaux, 2015. http://www.abbayedeclairvaux.com
"Clairvaux Abbey". Wikipedia, 2015. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clairvaux_Abbey
