Abbey of Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa
The Abbey of Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa is a historic Benedictine monastery located in southwestern France, originally founded in 840 and refounded at its current site in 878 after a flood. It played a significant role as a cultural center, particularly under Abbot Oliba, and its 12th-century architectural fragments are now part of The Cloisters museum in New York City. After periods of disrepair and nationalization during the French Revolution, the abbey was refounded in the 20th century and continues to be a site of religious and cultural importance.
Key Facts
- ›Founded initially in 840, refounded at its present site in 878.
- ›Was an important cultural center during the regency of Abbot Oliba.
- ›Parts of its 12th-century cloister form the centerpiece of the Cloisters museum in New York City.
- ›Suffered disrepair and was sold after being nationalized during the French Revolution.
- ›Refounded in 1919 under the Cistercians and transferred back to the Benedictines in 1965.
- ›One of the venues for the Pablo Casals Festival.
Romanesque
12th-Century Cloister Fragments, Venue For the Pablo Casals Festival
Sant Miquel De Cuixà
Abbot Oliba, Pietro I Orseolo, Romuald, Marinus, Cesare Borgia, Pablo Casals
- Flood Destroyed Original Buildings In 878.
- Nationalized and Sold During the French Revolution.
- Refounded In 1919 and Restored Under the Cistercians.
- Transferred Back To the Benedictines In 1965.
About Abbey of Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa
The Abbey of Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa, known in Catalan as Sant Miquel de Cuixà, is a Benedictine monastery situated in the commune of Codalet, within the Pyrénées-Orientales department of southwestern France. Its origins trace back to an initial foundation in 840, followed by a significant refounding at its present site in 878 after a devastating flood destroyed the original monastery. The abbey rose to prominence as an important cultural hub, particularly during the influential regency of Abbot Oliba.
Historical Context and Development
The abbey's history is marked by its initial establishment at Sant Andreu d'Eixalada around 840. The catastrophic flood of 878 forced the surviving monks to relocate to Cuixà, a site already housing a small monastic community. The new monastery was formally established in June 879 through an agreement between Protasius, the abbot, and Miro the Elder, count of Conflent and Roussillon. The abbey developed under the patronage of the counts of Cerdanya and Conflent, and later fell under the domain of the Counts of Barcelona. Under Sunifred II of Cerdanya, a new church dedicated to Saint Michael was constructed around 940, with further refurbishments occurring by 956. The abbey's historical trajectory also saw it become a refuge for figures like Pietro I Orseolo, the Doge of Venice, who abdicated to become a monk there. Notably, Cesare Borgia was appointed abbot in 1494, though his tenure was primarily for revenue purposes.
Architectural Legacy and Later History
Architecturally, the abbey is renowned for its Romanesque elements. A significant portion of its 12th-century cloister was later acquired by American sculptor George Grey Barnard and eventually became the centerpiece of The Cloisters museum in New York City, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The abbey's history also includes periods of upheaval; it was nationalized and sold during the French Revolution, leading to its decline. However, the site was revitalized, first refounded in 1919 under the Cistercians, and then transferred back to the Benedictines in 1965, restoring its active monastic life.
Cultural Contributions
Beyond its religious significance, the Abbey of Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa has maintained a cultural role. It serves as one of the venues for the Pablo Casals Festival, an event founded in 1950. The renowned cellist Pablo Casals was even filmed performing at the abbey in 1954, further cementing its connection to the arts.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Abbey of Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa founded?
The abbey was initially founded around 840. It was later refounded at its present location in 878 after the original buildings were destroyed by a flood.
What is the significance of Abbot Oliba in the abbey's history?
Abbot Oliba was a key figure during the abbey's regency, during which time Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa was an important cultural center.
What connection does the abbey have to The Cloisters in New York City?
Significant portions of the 12th-century cloister from Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa were transported to New York City and now form the centerpiece of The Cloisters museum, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
What happened to the abbey during the French Revolution?
During the French Revolution, the abbey was nationalized along with other ecclesiastical properties and subsequently sold. This led to the clergy being evicted and the buildings falling into disrepair.
When was the abbey refounded and by which order?
The abbey was refounded in 1919 under the Cistercians, who are an offshoot of the Benedictines. It was later transferred back to the Benedictines in 1965.
Is the abbey still an active religious site?
Yes, the abbey was refounded in the 20th century and transferred back to the Benedictines in 1965, indicating its continued operation as a monastic community.
Related Monasteries
Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa Abbey
Saint-Michel-de-Cuxa Abbey is a historically significant Benedictine monastery located in southwestern France. Originally founded in 840 and refounded in 878 after a devastating flood, it flourished as a major cultural center, prominently under Abbot Oliba. Parts of its 12th-century architecture were transported to The Cloisters museum in New York City, and the abbey itself was refounded and restored in the 20th century.
St. Florian Monastery
St. Florian Monastery is a significant Augustinian monastery located in Sankt Florian, Austria, renowned for its impressive Baroque architecture and historical importance. Founded in the early ninth century and re-established by Augustinian canons in the eleventh century, it is one of the oldest continuously operating monasteries in the world. The monastery is dedicated to Saint Florian, whose tomb is believed to be beneath it, and is celebrated for its rich library, art collection, and the renowned St. Florian Boys Choir.
Abbey of Saint-Génis-des-Fontaines
The Abbey of Saint-Génis-des-Fontaines is a historic Benedictine monastery located in Pyrénées-Orientales, France, dedicated to Saint Genesius and Saint Michael. First recorded in 819, it underwent destruction and rebuilding, eventually coming under the protection of various counts and kings. The abbey church was enlarged in the 12th century, and a marble cloister was added in the 13th century. Following a period of decline and union with Montserrat Abbey, it was secularized during the French Revolution, with its church later reopened as a parish church.