Aulps Abbey
Aulps Abbey was a significant Cistercian monastery in the French Alps, active for nearly seven centuries from the late 11th century until its suppression in 1793. Despite partial destruction and the use of its stones for building, notable remnants like the 13th-century church façade and gatehouse survive. Today, the site functions as a discovery center, showcasing the monks' way of life, the abbey's history, and its medicinal garden.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in the late 11th century by monks from Molesme Abbey.
- ›Affiliated with the Cistercian Order in 1136.
- ›The church was consecrated in 1212, with a well-preserved 13th-century façade.
- ›Suppressed in 1793 during the French invasion of Savoy.
- ›The site was listed as a monument historique in 1902.
- ›The former abbey farm now houses the 'Domaine de Découverte de la Vallée D'Aulps' museum.
Cistercian, Romanesque
13th-Century Church FaçAde, Gatehouse, Abbey Farm, Cellars, Medicinal Garden, Mill
Aulph Abbey
Guarinus of Sitten
Founded In the 1090s, Affiliated With the Cistercian Order In 1136, Church Consecrated In 1212, Suppressed In 1793, Church Partially Destroyed In 1823, Listed As A Monument Historique In 1902
About Aulps Abbey
Aulps Abbey, situated at an elevation of 810 metres in the village of Saint-Jean-d'Aulps in the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps, stands as a significant historical site of Cistercian monasticism. Founded in the late 11th century by monks from Molesme Abbey, it flourished for nearly seven hundred years, becoming a major religious and economic center in the Chablais, Faucigny, and Jura regions.
History and Significance
The abbey's history commenced in the 1090s, with its formal affiliation to the Cistercian Order occurring in 1136. The abbey church, a testament to Cistercian architectural principles, was consecrated in 1212. Abbots of Aulps wielded considerable influence, often serving as advisors to the Counts of Savoy and lords of Faucigny, with some later ascending to bishoprics. The abbey also became a pilgrimage destination due to the relics of its second abbot, Guarinus of Sitten, later known as Saint Guarinus.
The abbey's active monastic life concluded in 1793 following the French invasion of Savoy in 1792, which led to the expulsion of the last monks and the formal suppression of the institution. A tragic period followed in 1823 when the church was partially demolished to provide building materials for a nearby parish church. Fortunately, the site's historical importance was recognized, and Ernest Tavernier succeeded in having it classified as a "monument historique" in 1902, preserving what remained.
Architectural Remains and Present Day
Despite the destructions, significant parts of Aulps Abbey endure. The impressive 13th-century façade of the church remains a focal point, showcasing the restrained yet monumental style characteristic of Cistercian architecture. Other surviving structures include a robust gatehouse dating from the late 15th or early 16th century, which once served as a hub for administrative activities. The former abbey farm, dating from the late 17th century, has been restored and now houses the "Domaine de Découverte de la Vallée d'Aulps." This museum offers visitors insights into the daily lives of the monks, the abbey's historical role, and the secrets of medicinal plants, referencing the well-maintained medicinal and kitchen gardens on the estate.
Architectural Features
The abbey church itself was constructed using local materials such as tuff, red limestone, and river stones, adhering to the austere Cistercian design. Notable interior features include ribbed vaults in the nave and side aisles, and unique false triforia that create an illusion of circulation corridors, enhancing the building's grandeur. The gatehouse, with its large doors, reflects its past function as a multifunctional entrance. The abbey farm, with its vaulted rooms, likely played a role in cheese production, while the vaulted cellars were used for storing wine from the abbey's various properties. The mill, essential for monastery estates, was also a key part of its economy.
Today, Aulps Abbey is a site of historical and cultural interest, allowing visitors to connect with the rich past of the Cistercian order in the French Alps and appreciate the efforts made to preserve its legacy.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Aulps Abbey founded?
Aulps Abbey was founded at the very end of the 11th century, specifically in the 1090s. Its establishment marked the beginning of its nearly seven-hundred-year history as a major Cistercian site.
What is the architectural style of Aulps Abbey?
The abbey follows the restrained Cistercian floor plan prescribed by Saint Bernard, utilizing local materials like tuff, red limestone, and river stones. The church façade is particularly noted for its streamlined, monumental effect, featuring pointed arches and a rose window. Other structures like the gatehouse date from the late 15th or early 16th century.
What happened to Aulps Abbey?
The abbey was suppressed in 1793 after French forces invaded Savoy and expelled the monks. In 1823, much of the remaining church was dismantled for its stones to build a nearby parish church. Fortunately, the site was later preserved as a monument historique.
What can visitors see at Aulps Abbey today?
Visitors can explore the majestic ruins of the abbey church, including its 13th-century façade, the historical gatehouse, and the restored abbey farm which now houses the 'Domaine de Découverte de la Vallée d'Aulps' museum. The estate also features agricultural buildings, cellars, and a medicinal garden.
Is Aulps Abbey still an active monastery?
No, Aulps Abbey is no longer an active monastery. It was suppressed in 1793, and while parts of the site have been preserved and restored, it does not house a monastic community.
Related Monasteries
Grande-Sauve Abbey
Grande-Sauve Abbey, also known as Sauve-Majeure Abbey, is a former Benedictine monastery located near La Sauve in France's Gironde department. Founded in 1079 by Gerald of Sauve-Majeure, it was a significant site on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Despite periods of wealth and power, it suffered damage from wars, storms, and earthquakes, and eventually fell into ruin, with its remains now recognized for their Romanesque architectural importance and designated as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Saint-Amand Abbey
Saint-Amand Abbey was a former Benedictine monastery founded around the early 7th century in Saint-Amand-les-Eaux, France. It rose to prominence as a significant center of learning during the Carolingian Renaissance, producing notable scholars. Despite destruction and rebuilding, it remained a wealthy institution until its secularization in 1789, with only parts of its structures surviving today.
Kamp Abbey
Kamp Abbey, also known as Altenkamp Abbey, was the first Cistercian monastery established in German territory, founded in 1123. It became a significant and wealthy religious center, actively involved in establishing numerous daughter houses across Germany and the Netherlands. Despite suffering damage during the Reformation and subsequent conflicts, leading to periods of abandonment and rebuilding, the site is still recognized for its historical importance and its terraced gardens and orangeries.