Footpaths across Euope
Founded shortly before 1100, the Cistercian Order quickly spread a network of mother and daughter monasteries across Europe. A dense network of footpaths, oriented towards the original monastery in Cîteaux, connected the abbeys with each other.
Cistercian monks travelled a lot. Once a year, all the abbots met in the mother house of Cîteaux in French Burgundy for the general chapter. Regular visits, so-called visitations, were also common between all mother and daughter monasteries. Granges, town courts and official residences were also visited regularly. Mobility and regular exchange played a central role in the organisation of the Order and the transfer of knowledge.
In the footsteps of the monks
Currently a long distance trail of 5,000 km length connecting 6 European countries is being realized: the “Way of the Cistercians”. It connects the landscapes and people of the Cisterscapes network.
Smaller and larger monastery rounds lead into the monastic landscapes around the abbeys.
You can find all current tours on our outdooractive-map