The Legacy of the Cistercians

The Legacy of the Cistercians – France

Directed by Elke Werry | 2019 | arte | SR

The Cistercian order was founded in 1098 in Burgundy, France. Starting with the initial abbey, Cîteaux Abbey, the order soon became a Europe-wide active Christian order with a very strict set of rules. In search of spiritual renewal the Cistercians created architectural masterpieces, which became the vanguards of gothic architecture. Their abbeys are fixed points of reference in our European cultural landscape and reflect the history of a religious movement that still exists today. The film will focus on Pontigny Abbey, La Trappe Abbey in Normandy and the world heritage site Fontenay.