Sept-Fons Abbey, Trappist monastery in Diou, France
Sept-Fons Abbey is a Trappist monastery in the Bourbonnais region featuring a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary with traditional monastic architecture surrounding it. The complex includes spaces for prayer, work, and daily life for the resident community.
The monastery was founded in 1132 and received papal support for its early development. Major reconstruction took place after the French Revolution to restore the complex.
The community here maintains strict daily rhythms of prayer and work that shape how the monastery functions. Visitors can observe how this contemplative lifestyle influences everything from the architecture to the handmade goods produced on site.
Guided tours are available to explore specific areas within the monastery complex. Local products made by the monks, including herbal teas, are available for purchase on site.
It holds the distinction of being the world's largest Trappist monastery. The community also maintains a daughter monastery in the Czech Republic and continuously trains new monks for monastic life.
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