1100th anniversary of the foundation of Cluny’s Abbey
The story began in 910, in Cluny when William the Pious decided to found the abbey. Twelve monks settled on rural land near Macon. They wanted to create a new abbey and follow the Benedictine rule. The abbey was placed directly under the protection of Rome. Its abbot acted as a mediator between the pope and political powers. Cluny was the mother house with 1,400 outbuildings. The abbey was governed by a line of exceptional abbots and at the height of its influence in the 12th century, it was at the head of an "empire" of some 10,000 monks.
In 1088, Hugues de Semur, abbot of Cluny, launched the construction of a new abbey church. This church, also called the Maior Ecclesia (the great church), was reknown to be the largest in the Middle Ages. It can be regarded as a masterpiece of Romanesque art. The monks lived in the Abbey until the French Revolution. The monastic buildings were enlarged until well into the 18th century.
One must keep in mind that Cluny was a major influential centre in Europe in medieval times. It was a spiritual centre and the seat of the greatest Medieval monastic order in the West. Its economical and political influence in Europe was significant!
Evidence of this power is the abbey church, symbol of the Benedictine order and the largest church in Christendom up until the construction of St Peter’s in Rome in the 16th century.
The sheer force of religion swept across Europe during the 11th century, bringing stability and great power. The Benedictine abbey of Cluny was the most important church in the catholic world...
It is difficult to realize how important it was and imagination is required during a visit as only the outline of this monster church remains...it was sold as a national asset in 1798 and the stones used for local housing!
Visiting Cluny abbey today: The remains of the abbey church: the transept, the "clocher de l'Eau Bénite" ("Holy Water Belfry"), the Jean de Bourbon's chapel and the choir capitals evoke the large dimensions and splendour of this magnificent edifice. Today, to complement the tour, a3D film recreates the gigantism and the atmosphere of the church in the 13th century. Cluny also provides a rare example of a monastic town and its medieval houses have been remarkably preserved.
- The palace of Jean de Bourbon (15th century). This houses sculpted pieces from the great church or Maior Ecclesia (1088-1130) and sculptures from medieval houses in the town. A model shows what the town looked like at its peak in the 13th century. - The remains of the Maior Ecclesia. A remarkable octagonal Romanesque bell tower crowns the colossal south arm of the great transept which is exceptionally light and elegant, reaching a height of 31 metres. A high-definition 3D film means you can walk around the great church, even though it no longer stands. - The abbey buildings (18th century). The rigour and grandeur of these buildings show the influence of the Saint Maur congregation in reforming the way of life in the abbey. - The flour store (late 13th century). Models are on display together with eight capitals from the choir, masterpieces of Romanesque art, beneath the fine oak roof timbers of the store.
Augmented reality : A series of screens dotted among the tour complement the 3D film reproduction of the maior ecclesia. These screens work on the principle of “augmented reality”, using computer-generated images to evoke those parts of the great church that have disappeared. The overall effect creates the illusion of a complete monument ! Cluny 2010, a link between the past of the abbey and the future of Burgundy
In 2010, the abbey celebrates the 1100th anniversary of its foundation. This celebration will be the occasion to (re)discover Burgundy’s truly extraordinary Romanesque heritage.
Herewith is the press file “Burgundy, a treasure trove of Romanesque art “.
Numerous events will be organised in 2010, including the « Cluny, the pinnacle of Romanesque art » exhibition from 29th June to 30th September 2010. The detailed and official programme is available on the: www.cluny2010.eu
