Landévennec Abbey facts for kids
Landévennec Abbey is a famous monastery located in Brittany, France. It's a special place where Benedictine monks live and pray. Today, you can see both old ruins and a newer monastery built on the same ancient spot.
The abbey is found in a beautiful area called Landévennec, which is in the Finistère department of France.
Contents
The First Abbey: A Long History
How Landévennec Abbey Began
People believe that Landévennec Abbey was first started around the year 490. It was founded by a saint named Winwaloe, also known as Guénolé. This makes it one of the oldest monasteries in the region.
Later, in the 700s, the monks living there began to follow the Rule of Saint Benedict. This is a set of rules for how monks should live their lives.
Attacks and Rebuilding
Life at the abbey was not always peaceful. In the year 913, fierce Vikings attacked the monastery. They burned it down, causing a lot of damage.
But the monks did not give up. They rebuilt the abbey, this time using strong stone. This helped it stand strong for many more years.
The End of the First Abbey
The first Landévennec Abbey lasted for centuries. However, it faced another big challenge during the French Revolution. This was a time of major change in France, starting in 1789.
In 1793, the abbey was officially closed down. Its buildings and everything inside were sold off. This marked the end of the first monastery.
The Second Abbey: A New Beginning
A Modern Monastery
After many years, the site of the old abbey found a new purpose. In 1950, a group of Benedictine monks bought the land. These monks came from a community called Kerbénéat.
They decided to build new buildings on the historic site. This created the modern Landévennec Abbey that stands today.
Part of a Larger Family
The community of monks at Landévennec Abbey is part of a bigger group. They belong to the Subiaco Cassinese Congregation. This is a large family of Benedictine monasteries around the world.
See also
- List of Carolingian monasteries
- Carolingian architecture
- Gwenhael
- St Tudy
Sources
- Website of Landévennec Abbey
