Discover the vestiges of a spiritual center, seat of the greatest medieval monastic order of the West! Through the influence of its order, Cluny Abbey can be considered the greatest monastery of its time. Founded in the 10th century, the order of Cluny restored the rule of Saint Benedict, benefited from the protection of the papacy and extended its influence across Europe to the point that nearly a thousand establishments were attributed to it at the end of the 13th century.
The Cluny site, greatly destroyed in the 18th century, is now a fascinating site for visits and archaeological research. Undoubtedly wishing to ensure eternal salvation for himself and his family, he founded a monastery there, by charter of September 11, , which was supposed to return to the rigorous values of the Carolingian era.
Indeed, the text specifies that the monks will live under the rule of saint Benedict. It is presented in the form of a small book divided into 73 chapters which gives rhythm to the monastic life, allowing the good functioning of the community.
Originally, this villa installed near the river Grosne , was ordered like a villa of Antiquity. It included a small chapel, vineyards, orchards, meadows, woods, mills, and even a pond.
The Cluny estate is therefore much older than one might think, since it existed long before the abbey was even founded! William the Pious chose the first abbot for the abbey of Cluny: the abbot was Bernon He thus placed the abbey directly under the authority of the pope and thanks to the many resources linked to this donation, he promised the Cluniac monks a bright future!
