Landévennec Abbey
Landévennec Abbey is a Benedictine monastery located in Brittany, France, with a history stretching back to its traditional founding around 490 AD by Saint Winwaloe. While the original medieval monastery now exists only in ruins, a new Benedictine community was established on the site in 1950. The abbey has undergone significant transformations, including rebuilding after Viking attacks and suppression during the French Revolution, before its modern revival.
Key Facts
- ›Traditionally founded around 490 AD by Saint Winwaloe.
- ›Became a Benedictine house in the eighth century.
- ›Attacked and burned by Vikings in 913, then rebuilt in stone.
- ›Suppressed during the French Revolution in 1793.
- ›Re-established in 1950 by the Benedictine community of Kerbénéat.
- ›The original monastery is now in ruins.
Ruins of the Early Medieval Monastery
Abbaye De LandéVennec, Abbaye Saint-GuéNolé De LandéVennec
Saint Winwaloe
- Attacked and Burned By Vikings In 913
- Suppressed During the French Revolution In 1793
About Landévennec Abbey
Landévennec Abbey is a Benedictine monastery situated in Landévennec, within the Finistère department of Brittany, France. Its history is marked by a long tradition of monastic life, beginning with its traditional founding around 490 AD by Saint Winwaloe. The abbey became a Benedictine house in the eighth century, a tradition that continues to this day.
Historical Transformations
The early medieval monastery faced significant challenges, including an attack and burning by Vikings in 913, after which it was rebuilt in stone. A major turning point in its history occurred during the French Revolution when the abbey was suppressed in 1793, and its goods and premises were sold off. Consequently, the original medieval structures now exist primarily as ruins.
Modern Foundation
In 1950, the site of the ancient abbey was acquired by the Benedictine community of Kerbénéat, who established new premises. This modern foundation became part of the Subiaco Congregation, and since 2013, it has been affiliated with the Subiaco Cassinese Congregation, ensuring the continuation of monastic life at Landévennec.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Landévennec Abbey founded?
Landévennec Abbey is traditionally held to have been founded around 490 AD by Saint Winwaloe. This marks its initial establishment as an important religious site.
What happened to the original Landévennec Abbey?
The original medieval monastery was attacked and burned by Vikings in 913, after which it was rebuilt in stone. However, it was eventually suppressed in 1793 during the French Revolution, and only ruins now survive from this early period.
Is Landévennec Abbey still an active monastery?
Yes, a new Benedictine community was established on the site in 1950 by the Benedictine community of Kerbénéat. This modern foundation continues the monastic tradition at Landévennec.
What religious order is associated with Landévennec Abbey?
Landévennec Abbey became a Benedictine house in the eighth century. The modern foundation is also part of the Benedictine tradition, specifically belonging to the Subiaco Cassinese Congregation.
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