The Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay, a UNESCO World Heritage site in France, is a remarkably preserved 12th-century monastery exemplifying Cistercian simplicity and functionality. Founded in 1118, its austere stone architecture includes a church, cloister, and dormitories, reflecting the order’s monastic ideals. Nestled in a tranquil valley, it remains one of the oldest surviving Cistercian complexes. The abbey’s forge and gardens highlight its self-sufficient past. This site offers a serene glimpse into medieval religious life and architectural restraint.

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