The Cistercian Order’s legacy encompasses an immense spiritual, cultural, and material heritage spread across the European continent. It is defined by its uniformity, austerity, and commitment to the Rule of St. Benedict. This universal value is preserved in sites, objects, and knowledge that continue to inform contemporary society.
“The Cistercian Heritage reveals an exceptional universal value, ensuring the maintenance of the values of Authenticity and Integrity for future generations.”
Declaration of Principles
The European Network of Cistercian Heritage focuses on five main thematic areas that illustrate the depth and breadth of the Cistercian influence, going beyond mere stone to encompass spirituality, knowledge, and landscape.
This pillar includes the physical monasteries, the iconic Cistercian churches, cloisters, and the unique agrarian/hydraulic systems (granges). It highlights the aesthetic of functional simplicity and the historical integration of the abbeys within the natural landscape.
The network is committed to the protection and promotion of manuscripts, books, libraries, and archival records. This intellectual heritage is key to understanding European theology, history, music, and the transmission of knowledge throughout the medieval period and beyond.
The enduring values of the Cistercian charism, such as peace, simplicity, hospitality, and the Rule of St. Benedict, form the basis of the living heritage. This dimension connects the historic sites to the contemporary relevance of Cistercian spirituality.
This refers to the immense collection of art, objects, liturgical items, and sculptures that were created, preserved, or commissioned by Cistercian communities. It requires specialized conservation efforts and promotion within a museum context.
The Cistercians were instrumental in the development of remote areas, pioneering agricultural techniques and establishing commercial networks. This pillar focuses on the continuing social and economic importance of the sites for local communities and regional development.
The ultimate goal of the Network is not only to preserve this heritage but to generate new knowledge about it. We promote specialized seminars, international meetings, and collaborative research projects between our members, universities, and international bodies. This continuous technical and scientific dialogue is the foundation for effective and sustainable conservation practices across all sites.
