Fontenay Abbey - Chapter House

Fontenay Abbey – Chapter House in Marmagne, France is one of the oldest and best preserved Cistercian abbeys in Europe. Built in 1118, it is an architectural masterpiece, featuring classic towers, undulating roof lines, detailed stonework and a tranquil setting. Its most iconic feature is the Chapter House, built between 1160 and 1171. This impressive open-vaulted chapel is decorated with carved capitals depicting biblical scenes and foliage motifs, and is surrounded by three stories of monks' cells. This marvelous building earned the abbey its UNESCO World Heritage designation in 1981. Today, the abbey is a popular tourist attraction and open to the public. Visitors can explore the grounds and learn more about the history of the abbey through interactive displays and audio-visual presentations.