Cluny, "Shining light of the world"
The Benedictine Abbey of Cluny was founded in the year 910. The Abbey develops rapidly and becomes an important spiritual inlfuence. The Cluny Abbey was built in three phases. Cluny I is the first actual church built in Carolingian tradition. Cluny II, the second church built at the beginning of the 11th Century, is an example of pre-Romanesque art. Cluny III is the St-Pierre-et-St-Paul basilica, built in the 12th Century.
At the time, the Abbey of Cluny is the capital of the religious empire counting 1100 priories and over 10.000 monks…. In these days, Cluny had a big influence on major decisions and subjects: reconquest of Spain, organization of important pilgrimages, discussions with oriental churches, etc.
Cluny even intervenes in Art matters. Regularly, Princes, Kings and Bishops visit the Abbey of Cluny.
The glory days of Cluny come to an end in the 13th Century, when the Order of Citeaux (other Abbey of Burgundy, more suitable to chrsitian ideals) supplants the Order of Cluny. The forfeiture of Cluny ends with its partial destruction during the French Revolution. The demolition of the Abbey is finished in 1823. What is left of the Cluny can still be seen today. Even though there is only few remains of the Abbey left, one can imagine the importance of what was known in the glory days as the “shining light of the world”, nick name given by Pope Urbain II during the 11th Century.
Visiting the Abbey
The St Pierre and St Paul’s church (Cluny III, 177 m long inside, built during the 11th and 12th Century) was the largest Christian church in its time. It was only when the St Pierre’s Church of Rome was rebuilt (186 m long) that this « title » of being the largest church was lost…
One can mesure the true importance of this magnificent abbey by visiting the Archeologic Museum, showing all the research done in Cluny. The Museum is installed in the former Abbey palace.
Besides a remarkable collection of Romanesque statues, this museum presents scale models and a video of Cluny III, helping you to understand the visit of the remaining parts of the abbey.
After having visited the impressive remains of the Cluny III church, one can also discover the abbey buildings next to it, particularly the beautiful « farinier » against the mill tower (built during the 13th century). On the first floor, you will discover a room with the capitals of the Abbey chorus which have luckily not been destroyed.
Visiting the town of Cluny
It would be a pity if you visit Cluny and only see the Abbey. The little town of less than 5000 inhabitants and still within its medieval limits has some other architectural treasures. Venir à Cluny et se limiter à son abbaye serait un tort. Cette petite ville de moins de 5000 habitant, encore restreinte à ses limites médiévales, vaut également par son architecture civile. One will discover some beautiful Romanesque buildings and half-timbered houses. One can enjoy an extraordinary view over the town in the “Tour des Fromages”, above the tourist office.
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Read more about Cluny :
www.cluny-tourisme.com
Free visits, or guided visits at set hours, every day.
(except for 01/01, 01/05, 01/11, 11/11 et 25/12).
Guided visits :
Duration : about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
From 1rst of September to 30th April - 9h30-12h00/13h30-17h00.
From 2nd May ‘til 31rst of August: 9h30-18h30
Entrace fee for guided visit : 6,50 € per person
More information :
http://cluny.monuments-nationaux.fr
To see :
The Haras National: Cluny houses one of the 5 large national stud farms. Built under Napoléon I with the stones of the Abbey, the stud farm is open to the public (free of charge). Horse events are regularly held in Cluny, The horses and poneys can only be seen from mid July to the beginning of March: www.haras-nationaux.fr
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