Sénanque Abbey

Sénanque Abbey (Occitan: abadiá de Senhanca, French: Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque) is a significant Cistercian monastery located near the village of Gordes in the Vaucluse département of Provence, France. Its founding in 1148 marked the establishment of a community of impoverished monks who came from Mazan Abbey, under the patronage of Alfant, bishop of Cavaillon, and Ramon Berenguer II, Count of Barcelona and Provence.

History and Architecture

The abbey is celebrated for its remarkably preserved Romanesque architecture, which exemplifies the austere ideals of the Cistercian order. Key structures include the abbey church, cloister, dormitory, and chapter house. The abbey church features an unusual layout with its liturgical east end facing north, a concession to the narrow valley in which it is situated. By the 13th and 14th centuries, Sénanque had reached its zenith, managing extensive estates and mills. However, the abbey experienced periods of decline, notably marked by a reduction in its community size and damage during the Wars of Religion. The French Revolution further impacted Sénanque, leading to the nationalization of its lands and the expulsion of the remaining monk.

Revival and Present Day

Sénanque Abbey underwent a revival with its repurchase in 1854, leading to the establishment of a new community of Cistercian monks. This community faced another expulsion in 1903 but returned in 1988 as a priory of Lérins Abbey. Today, the monks sustain themselves by cultivating lavender and tending honey bees, and the abbey also offers opportunities for individuals to arrange spiritual retreats. Alongside Silvacane Abbey and Le Thoronet Abbey, Sénanque is sometimes referred to as one of the "Three Sisters of Provence" due to their shared Cistercian heritage and architectural style.