Molesme Abbey

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Molesme Abbey was a Benedictine monastery in Molesme, Burgundy, near the borders of Langres and Troyes. It was founded in 1075 by Robert, who had tried to reform other monasteries but faced resistance. With a group of hermits, he established a new, austere community on land by the River Laigne, not far from the old site of Vertillum. The land was given by Hugo de Norlennac. They built a simple house and chapel from branches and lived in poverty, helped at first by a bishop who sent them food and clothing.

News of the vigorous life at Molesme spread, drawing many noble supporters who gave gifts that allowed the abbey to build a grand church and solid monastic buildings. Among those who joined Robert were Stephen Harding (later a leader among the Cistercians) and Bruno of Cologne (the founder of the Carthusians).

As the community grew rich, some monks stopped working in the fields and relied on alms, which led to discontent and rebellion. In 1098 Robert left with the most devoted monks and founded Cîteaux Abbey, the cradle of the Cistercian Order. The remaining monks asked Pope Urban II to bring Robert back, and he returned in 1099 to govern Molesme and to foster strict Benedictine observance until his death in 1111. Molesme also founded several other monasteries and nunneries.

The abbey and its church were destroyed in 1472 during the war between France and Burgundy, and its possessions were taken. It was burned again by the Huguenots in the late 16th century during the Wars of Religion. The Congregation of St. Maur in 1648 revived its spiritual life, and the buildings were restored during the 18th century. The abbey was suppressed in the French Revolution, and most structures, including the abbey church, were destroyed. The main surviving part is the Church of Sainte-Croix, built in the late 13th century as a chapel for novices and kept in use after the rest of the abbey fell apart; a new bell tower was added in the 19th century. The site was damaged in World War II in 1940, with some traces remaining today. Since 1985, the site has been a listed historic monument and is accessible by appointment.