Editing Abbey (section)

== Cistercian abbeys ==
[[File:Sénanque 06.JPG|thumb|right|Cistercian Abbey of Sénanque]]
[[File:Abbey-of-senanque-provence-gordes.jpg|thumb|right|Cistercian Abbey of Sénanque]]
[[File:Jumièges.jpg|thumb|right| Jumièges Abbey, Normandy]]

The [[Cistercians]], a Benedictine reform group, were established at [[Cîteaux Abbey|Cîteaux]] in 1098 AD by [[Robert of Molesme]], Abbot of Molesme, for the purpose of restoring, as far as possible, the literal observance of the [[Rule of Saint Benedict]]. La Ferté, [[Pontigny Abbey|Pontigny]], [[Clairvaux Abbey|Clairvaux]], and [[Morimond Abbey|Morimond]] were the first four abbeys to follow Cîteaux's example and others followed. The monks of Cîteaux created the well known vineyards of [[Clos de Vougeot|Clos-Vougeot]] and [[Romanée-Saint-Vivant|Romanée]] in [[Burgundy]].<ref name=gildas>{{cite web|url=http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03792a.htm|title=CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Abbey of Citeaux|website=www.newadvent.org|access-date=28 April 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713191403/http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03792a.htm|archive-date=13 July 2017}}</ref>

The Cistercian principle of rigid [[Self-denial|self-abnegation]] carried over to the design of the order's churches and buildings. The defining architectural characteristic of the Cistercian abbeys was extreme simplicity and plainness. Only a single, central tower was permitted, and that was usually very low. Unnecessary pinnacles and turrets were prohibited. The [[triforium]] was omitted. The windows were usually plain and undivided, and it was forbidden to decorate them with stained glass. All needless ornament was proscribed. The crosses were made of wood and the candlesticks of iron.{{sfn|Venables|1911}}

The same principle governed the choice of site for Cistercian abbeys in that a most dismal site might be improved by the building of an abbey. The Cistercian monasteries were founded in deep, well-watered valleys, always standing at a stream's edge. The building might extend over the water as is the case at [[Fountains Abbey]]. These valleys, now rich and productive, had a very different appearance when the brethren first chose them as their place of retreat. Wide swamps, deep morasses, tangled thickets, and wild, impassable forests were their prevailing features.{{sfn|Venables|1911}} Clara Vallis of St Bernard, now the "bright valley" was originally, the "Valley of Wormwood". It was an infamous den of robbers.<ref>{{harvnb|Venables|1911}} cites Milman's Lat. Christ. vol. iii. p.&nbsp;335.</ref>