The Abbey of Cluny is an abbey located in the town of Cluny in the country of France. It was a significant center of a major monastic movement in the middle ages. Though the building is primarily in its ruins as much of it was destroyed in the 18th century, it still exudes its ancient majesty and splendor. Currently, only one transept of the 12th century abbey church remains along with 15th century abbots' residences and convent buildings of the 18th century. All these sites are surrounded by pleasant gardens and a museum containing Romanesque relics. To know some more interesting and fun facts about the Abbey of Cluny, read on.
Interesting & Fun Facts about Cluny Abbey
- The Abbey was founded by William I, Count of Auvergne in 910 AD.
- The Church of the Abbey was the largest church in the world, before the construction of St. Peter's Basilica.
- The Abbey of Cluny is a Christian Monastery.
- The Abbey was initially presided over by Abbot Berno and supervised by Pope Sergius III.
- The abbey was founded by Benedictine monks to observe a closer adherence to Benedictine rules.
- The liturgy at Cluny used to be extensive, reflecting the wave of change of 11th century.
- During the 12th century, the Cluny was the head of the 'monastic empire' including 10,000 monks.
- In 1098, Pope Urabn II, declared the Cluny as the 'light of the world'.
- The entrance to the Abbey is known as Porte d'Honneur.
- A national horse-breeding center (haras) was founded by Napoléon in 1806 and constructed with materials from the destroyed abbey.
- In 18th century, an elegant pavilion was built as monastic cloisters.
- The roof of the flour store of the Abbey was built in 13th century. It is made of fine oak and chestnut and also contains a collection of exquisite Romansque capitals.
- The war of religions and the French Revolution destroyed the Abbey in 1798. The remaining part was sold or dismantled.
- The Ochier Museum contains masterpieces of Romanesque sculptures.
- The church in the Abbey was 656 ft high.
