Tautra Abbey
Cistercian·Norway·Ruins (medieval abbey), Active (modern monastery)·13th century
Tautra Abbey was a significant Cistercian monastery established in 13th century Norway, playing a notable role in the country's politics until its dissolution during the Reformation. Today, the well-preserved ruins of the medieval church serve as a popular tourist attraction, while a new Trappistine community, Tautra Monastery, was founded nearby in 1999, marking the return of Cistercian life to Norway.
Key Facts
- ›Founded as a Cistercian monastery on March 25, 1207.
- ›Dissolved during the Reformation in the 16th century.
- ›Its ruins are a well-preserved and popular tourist destination.
- ›A new Trappistine community, Tautra Monastery, was founded near the ruins in 1999.
- ›The new monastery is the first permanent Cistercian settlement in Norway since the Reformation.
Ruins of the Medieval Church, Island Location In Trondheimsfjord
Tautra Mariakloster, TuterøKloster, Tautra Klosterruin
- Foundation In 1207
- Dissolution During the Reformation
- Re-Establishment As A Trappistine Community In 1999
About Tautra Abbey
Tautra Abbey (Norwegian: Tautra Mariakloster) was a significant Cistercian monastery situated on the island of Tautra in the Trondheimsfjord, Norway. Founded on March 25, 1207, by monks from Lyse Abbey, it quickly grew in wealth and influence, with its abbots frequently playing a major role in Norwegian politics. The abbey flourished for centuries, becoming a prominent religious and political center.
Dissolution and Ruins
The abbey's independent existence concluded in 1532, and it was formally dissolved during the Reformation in Scandinavia. By 1537, its lands were transferred to the Crown, and the monastery ceased to function. Despite its dissolution, the substantial ruins of the abbey church remain remarkably well-preserved and have become a cherished tourist destination, offering a tangible link to Norway's monastic past.
Modern Revival
In a notable revival of Cistercian life in Norway, a new Trappistine community, also named Tautra Monastery (Tautra Mariakloster), was established in 1999. Founded near the medieval ruins as a foundation of Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey in the United States, this modern monastery represents the first permanent Cistercian settlement in Norway since the Reformation. The foundation stone was laid by Queen Sonja of Norway in 2003, and the community was granted general autonomy in 2006, later being elevated to the status of Major Priory in 2012.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Tautra Abbey founded?
The Cistercian monastery of Tautra Abbey was opened on March 25, 1207. It was founded by monks from Lyse Abbey.
What happened to the medieval Tautra Abbey?
Tautra Abbey ceased as an independent monastery in 1532 and was dissolved during the Reformation in Scandinavia. Its property was placed under the crown in 1537 when it was closed.
Can visitors see the ruins of Tautra Abbey?
Yes, the sizeable ruins of the church are still visible and are relatively well preserved. The ruins of the former abbey are a favorite tourist destination.
Is there a functioning monastery at Tautra today?
Yes, the present Tautra Monastery is a newly founded Trappistine community established in 1999. It is the first permanent Cistercian settlement in Norway since the Reformation.
Where is Tautra Abbey located?
Tautra Abbey was located on the island of Tautra in the Trondheimsfjord in Norway. The island is part of Frosta Municipality in Trøndelag county.
Related Monasteries
Munkeby Abbey
Munkeby Abbey was a Cistercian monastery founded between 1150 and 1180, located in Trøndelag county, Norway. It was the most northerly Cistercian foundation in the world and functioned as an independent house until the 13th century, after which its assets were transferred to Tautra Abbey. The abbey was dissolved during the Protestant Reformation in 1537, and today its medieval ruins are managed by the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Norwegian Monuments. In 2007, a new Trappist monastery, Munkeby Mariakloster, was established nearby.
Lyse Abbey
Lyse Abbey, also known as Saint Mary's Abbey, Lyse, was a significant Cistercian monastery founded in 1146 near Lysefjorden in southwestern Norway. It was the first Cistercian house in Norway, established by the Bishop of Bergen with monks from Fountains Abbey. Over centuries, the abbey accumulated considerable wealth and land through its skilled farming practices, becoming a powerful institution before its dissolution in 1536 with the establishment of Lutheranism as the state religion.
Varna Abbey
Varna Abbey, originally a royal estate, was established as a Knights Hospitaller abbey around 1200 by King Sverre of Norway. It also functioned as a hospital for the royal army. The abbey was disestablished in 1532 and its buildings were later destroyed by fire in 1570. Today, only ruins of the monastery remain at the site, which is now a manor and former abbey in Østfold, Norway.