You are here:
Abbeys > France > Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur > La Roque-d'Anthéron > Silvacane

Silvacane

Silvacane - Abbaye In La Roque d'Antheron, between Aix en Provence and Avignon, the Silvacane abbey stands facing the foothills of Luberon. Daughter of the Morimond abbey, the Silvacane abbey is founded in 1144. The XIIth and XIIIth century mark the full bloom, both spiritual and economical, of Silvacane, who founds the abbey of Valsainte (diocese of Apt). The Invasion by the monks of Montmajour, the Great Plague, the one hundred years war, the civilian troubles shake Silvacane at the end of the XIIIth century. In 1445, the abbey is united to the Aix en Provence Cathedral Chapter and becomes the church of the parish of La Roque d'Antheron when the village was founded in 1512. At the end of XVIth century, protestants and catholics occupy successively the abbey. Declared a national asset at the french Revolution, the abbey becomes a farm. The whole property of the abbey is listed a Historical Monument, bought by the french state in 1945. Since January 2008, the abbey is a property of the City of La Roque d'Antheron. All the halls are opened to public. The refectory hosts contemporary creation by Sarkis (stained-glass windows, sculpture chairs). All roman style, the abbey introduces in Provence the first crossed ribbed vaulting. The purity of its forms, the harmony of volumes, the sobriety of the scenery and the quality of the light of Provence make it a remarkable example of the Cistercian ideal which emits a great impression of serenity.

[ Back ]