Charter of values

This Charter lists the seven essential values that unite us from both an ethical and symbolic point of view.

Article 1. Preservation

Preservation refers to the commitment to preserve and maintain the Cistercian tangible and intangible heritage.

The “European Charter of Cistercian Abbeys and Sites” Association, and its members work to preserve the tangible and intangible Cistercian heritage. Their actions contribute to the preservation of their historical heritage both buildings and environment, regardless of its condition. They also aim to bring to promote to a wider audience, the role of the Cistercians in European history especially in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. They aim to highlight the unique identity of Cistercian monasticism in its intellectual and spiritual dimensions, technical ingenuity and remarkable talent as an organiser, a builder and developer.

Article 2. Development

Commitment to promote the heritage vis-à-vis third parties for its preservation over the long term.

The Association and the member sites help promote the Cistercian heritage, to publicise the exceptional richness of this heritage and to create the best conditions for its preservation over the long term. This valuation is multifaceted. It operates vis-à-vis the general public, not only when tourist promotions at a site are undertaken, but also by actions or public relations. This initiative is also aimed at authorities, institutions, private operators and various communities or Associations at the local, regional, national, European and international levels.

Article 3. Cistercian Ethos

Commitment to preserving the Cistercian ethos in areas where the sites have been redeveloped for other purposes.

The Association is independent, and has no religious or political involvement, undertakes not to ignore the religious origin of the heritage, including the foundation of the Cistercian Order nine centuries ago. If subsequent use has led to the Cistercian space being used for things such as tourism, or housing, the Association and the member sites are careful not to overshadow or debase the original purpose, to enable visitors to appreciate these preserved areas in accordance with the original intention.

Article 4. Education

Commitment to initiate or support specific educational activities to inform the public on the issue of the preservation of this heritage.

The Association and membership sites encourage everyone, especially young people, to appreciate Cistercian history and environment. Education is an essential factor in this, and may contribute to the sustainability of the unrestored sites.

The Association and the member sites promote initiatives in this area, including specific events and sessions with teachers, and education and events of all kinds.

Article 5. Search

Commitment to collect and preserve all the best information, historical or other useful knowledge of the site.

The Association supports the initiatives of its members, both individually and collectively, to collect and preserve the best information, historical, archaeological, literary, pictorial, or other data to benefit Cistercian collective knowledge and to create and nurture any research up to university level. The Association supports efforts to build databases, and to stimulate the use of appropriate technology for sharing these.

Article 6. Exchange and Sharing

Commitment to exchange and share knowledge and experience between member sites.

The Association forms a Single European grouping of Cistercian sites, and is a privileged place for the sharing and exchange of knowledge and experience necessary to safeguard this heritage. It aims to facilitate and provide various meetings and initiatives to encourage all of the members in this direction.

Article 7. Transmission

Transmission represents the commitment to pass on to future generations, the Cistercian heritage and its environment in the best state of preservation.

The Association and the member sites are aware that asset transfer is always a key moment in the history of historical sites and buildings. The Association ensures that the transmission of the Cistercian heritage, including both the historic buildings and environments, ensures the best conditions for its long-term preservation when ownership is transferred, whether by sale or donation.

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