Fontenay Abbey - Church

The Church of Saint-Lazare, in Fontenay Abbey, is an iconic building in the Marmagne commune of France. Located in the heart of the Morvan Regional Nature Park, it is one of the most impressive examples of Romanesque architecture in the region. The abbey was founded in 1119 by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. During its heyday, it was one of the largest monasteries in Europe, with 480 monks, servants, and other followers living and working here. After the French Revolution, the abbey went into decline, and a number of its churches, together with its cloister, were abandoned. Today, the church remains remarkably intact and is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike. Its tranquil atmosphere and its imposing architecture make it a great place to explore, its walls still radiating splendor and mystery.