Moutiers-Saint-Jean Abbey
Moutiers-Saint-Jean Abbey, also known as Abbaye Saint-Jean-de-Réome, was a significant monastery in Burgundy, France, founded around 450 by John de Réôme. It underwent various reforms and faced destruction and rebuilding over centuries, notably during the French Revolution when it was sold as rubble. Today, its remains are protected, and surviving architectural elements are preserved in museums.
Key Facts
- ›Founded by John de Réôme around 450 AD.
- ›Originally followed the rule of Saint Macarius of Alexandria, later adopting the rule of Luxeuil.
- ›Sacked and rebuilt multiple times throughout its history.
- ›Suffered significant damage and was sold as rubble after the French Revolution in 1797.
- ›Key architectural elements, such as the main doorway, are now housed in museums, including the Cloisters in New York.
Romanesque, Baroque
Doorway From Moutiers-Saint-Jean, Romanesque Capitals, 14th-Century Main Gate, Facades of Two 17th-Century Buildings
Abbaye De Moutiers-Saint-Jean, Abbaye Saint-Jean-De-RéOme, Monasterium Sancti Johannis
John De RéôMe, Chunna, Jonas of Bobbio, Columbanus
- Adoption of the Rule of Luxeuil In the 7th Century
- Reformed According To the Synods of Aachen In 816–17
- Sacked and Burned Multiple Times
- Heads of Two Kings Struck Off By the Huguenot Army In 1567
- Sold As Rubble After the French Revolution In 1797
About Moutiers-Saint-Jean Abbey
Moutiers-Saint-Jean Abbey, historically known by its Latin name monasterium sancti Johannis and in French as Abbaye de Moutiers-Saint-Jean or Abbaye Saint-Jean-de-Réome, was a prominent monastic establishment situated in what is now the village of Moutiers-Saint-Jean in the Côte-d'Or department of Burgundy, France. Founded around 450 AD by the monk John de Réôme, the abbey played a significant role in the religious and cultural landscape of the region for over a millennium.
History and Development
The early history of Moutiers-Saint-Jean Abbey saw the adoption of various monastic rules. Initially adhering to the practices of Saint Macarius of Alexandria, the abbey later transitioned in the seventh century to the Rule of Luxeuil, established by the Irish missionary Columbanus. During this period, Jonas of Bobbio visited the monastery in 659 and was encouraged by the monks to compose a biography of their founder, resulting in the Vita Iohannis. The abbey was reformed in 816–17 according to the Synods of Aachen and, as recorded at the time, owed annual monetary and military contributions to the Carolingian state. Over the centuries, it became a major center of influence, supported by kings and nobles, including the dukes of Burgundy.
Destruction and Legacy
Moutiers-Saint-Jean Abbey endured numerous cycles of destruction and rebuilding. A particularly violent episode occurred in 1567 when the Huguenot army damaged the main doorway. The abbey's fate was sealed following the French Revolution, and in 1797, the entire complex was sold as rubble. For decades, the site lay in ruins, its sculptures heavily defaced. However, significant portions of its architectural heritage have been preserved. The renowned Doorway from Moutiers-Saint-Jean was acquired and moved to The Cloisters museum in New York in 1932. Additionally, Romanesque capitals, likely from the church nave, are housed in notable institutions such as the Fogg Art Museum and the Louvre. The remaining vestiges of the abbey on its original site, including the 14th-century main gate and facades from 17th-century buildings, are protected by the French government. The abbey's official website is http://www.abbayedemoutiers.fr/.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Moutiers-Saint-Jean Abbey founded?
Moutiers-Saint-Jean Abbey was founded by a monk named John de Réôme around the year 450 AD. This places its origins in the early centuries of monasticism in Gaul.
What monastic rules were followed at Moutiers-Saint-Jean Abbey?
Initially, the abbey followed the monastic rule of Saint Macarius of Alexandria. In the seventh century, this was replaced by the rule of Luxeuil, which was founded by the Irish missionary Columbanus.
What happened to Moutiers-Saint-Jean Abbey after the French Revolution?
Following the French Revolution, the entire building was sold as rubble in 1797. It lay in ruins for decades, with much of its sculpture defaced.
Where can I see parts of Moutiers-Saint-Jean Abbey today?
Significant surviving elements, such as the iconic Doorway from Moutiers-Saint-Jean, are now housed in museums. The doorway is located at The Cloisters museum in New York, and Romanesque capitals can be found in institutions like the Fogg Art Museum and the Louvre.
Are there any remaining structures of the abbey on its original site?
Yes, the remains of the abbey are protected by the French government. These include the 14th-century main gate, the facades of two 17th-century buildings, and the grounds of the former abbey church.
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