CONTACT

CISTERCIAN HERITAGE IN EUROPE

The Simplicity
and the humanity

The European Network of Cistercian Heritage (ENCH) unites various entities to safeguard, promote, and exchange knowledge about the Cistercian legacy across Europe

MORE INFORMATION
swipe to other dimension
The Network

BUILDING

THE CISTERCIAN

ROUTE

The European Network of Cistercian Heritage serves as a dynamic forum for technical and scientific dialogue, uniting over 20 members across Europe—from historically significant abbeys and archives to local municipalities and private owners. Our collective intention is to better serve the cause of safeguarding the Cistercian Heritage, both tangible and intangible, promoting the exchange of good practices and knowledge dissemination. The current focus of our collaborative work is actively building the Cistercian Sites Itinerary, a major step towards applying for the certification as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe.

MEET OUR MEMBERS

'God is width,
height, length
and depth'

THE CISTERCIAN ORDER

Universality, Peace
and Authenticity

The Cistercian presence across Europe is united by a set of universal principles: a commitment to purity, austerity, and an essential simplicity in art and life. The Network safeguards this legacy, promoting dialogue that is rooted in peace and the spirit of mutual help for all humanity.

EXPLORE THE HISTORY
04
05
06
WE ARE

We are the European Network of Cistercian Heritage, a collaborative structure uniting over 20 diverse entities - including historic abbeys, archives, and local authorities. We are bound by shared values like Simplicity, Humanity and a commitment to peace and cooperation across Europe.
WE ARE
WE DO

We develop joint projects to safeguard Cistercian heritage, promoting scientific dialogue and the exchange of best practices. Our strategic goal is the creation and certification of the Cistercian Sites Itinerary as a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe.
WHERE

The Cistercian spirit connects a "constellation of stars" across the European continent. Our Network members span countries from Portugal, Spain and Italy to the UK, Belgium, and beyond. We actively link significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historical abbeys, and former monastic landscapes, ensuring that the influence of the Order remains visible and accessible to all.

THE Cistercian Heritage

Dimension,
holistic beauty
and pure light

The Cistercian heritage, both material and intangible, reveals an exceptional universal value (as acknowledged by UNESCO). Our mission is the preservation and transmission of its core principles - simplicity, holistic beauty, light and the architectural dimension - ensuring their authenticity and integrity for future generations.

EXPLORE
08
09
010
CONNECT

Stay connected with the latest news, events, and developments within the Network. Follow us on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, or reach out to our coordinating entities at Alcobaça Monastery for direct inquiries.
WE ARE
JOIN US

Become part of the growing European Network of Cistercian Heritage. Membership is voluntary and open to all relevant entities committed to safeguarding Cistercian values. Adhere to our Declaration of Principles and help us promote this exceptional heritage.
RESOURCES

Access important documents related to the Network, including the full Declaration of Principles and scientific publications from our international meetings. Explore our work in cultural and tourism management.

THE THINGS WE DO

1 INSIGHT

We promote technical and scientific dialogue on the Cistercian legacy, involving researchers, historians, and site manaers. This collective insight forms the foundation for shared conservation and management strategies.

2 CONCEPT

Based on our joint research, we develop conceptual cooperation projects. These range from education and digital dissemination to the key strategic goal: the application for the Cultural Route of the Council of Europe.

3 EXECUTION

We execute collaborative initiatives focused on safeguarding both tangible and intangible Cistercian Heritage. This includes the exchange of best practices in conservation, cultural management, and sustainable tourism.

'United for one purpose ony:
the cause of heritage safeguarding.'

VIEW OUR PROJECTS