Within decades, the Cistercian reform order spread throughout Europe in the High Middle Ages. The ascetic monks used their reputation to transform “wildernesses” into “paradises”. They consolidated border regions and always acted at the scientific height of their time. In their radical interpretation of Benedict’s Rule, in particular the principle of ora et labora, they transformed entire regions across Europe to suit their needs. Through their systematic exchange of knowledge, they became a driving force for agricultural innovation and a veritable economic empire.
They shaped their own type of cultural landscape: the Cistercian landscape. Such Cistercian landscapes can be found all over Europe. 17 former Cistercian abbeys from five countries have joined forces as Cisterscapes – Cistercian landscapes connecting Europe – to research this exciting phenomenon and raise public awareness of it. This cultural heritage network is coordinated by the district of Bamberg. Ebrach, the oldest cistercy on the right bank of the Rhine, is located here. The once rich and powerful abbey in the Steigerwald is an important milestone in the spread of the Order to the East Franconian-German Empire and beyond.
The lecture introduces us to the Cistercian landscape phenomenon and the CISTERSCAPES network, which was awarded the European Heritage Label in Antwerp on April 17, 2024.