Abbey of Hauterive, Cistercian monastery in Hauterive, Switzerland
Hauterive Abbey is a Cistercian monastery built on a meander of the Sarine River, located about 7 kilometers from Fribourg in a natural setting. The complex follows the typical Cistercian layout with a cloister, church, and outbuildings arranged around a central courtyard.
The monastery was founded in 1132 by Baron Guillaume de Glâne and received papal confirmation from Innocent II in 1142. Except for the 19th century, when the monastic community was absent, the site has remained continuously inhabited and active.
The name comes from Latin meaning 'high,' referring to the elevated location along the river valley. Inside, decorated choir stalls and tracery windows from the 14th century show how the monastic community enhanced their spaces over time.
The site is open to visitors, with guided tours available by appointment and overnight accommodation for those seeking longer stays. Access by car is straightforward, and walking paths along the Sarine River offer exploration of the surrounding landscape for all visitors.
The community maintains active farming operations while welcoming young adults for residential retreats to experience monastic living. This blend of traditional agricultural work and contemporary interaction with the outside world keeps it a living community rather than simply a historical site.
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