Abbaye de Sainte-Marie-au-Bois, Romanesque abbey in Vilcey-sur-Trey, France.
Abbaye de Sainte-Marie-au-Bois is a Premonstratensian monastery in the Lorraine region built in the Romanesque style during the 12th century. The structure features thick stone walls, rounded arches, and sturdy columns that define the characteristic architecture of medieval French religious buildings.
The monastery was founded in 1140 by Simon I, Duke of Lorraine, establishing it as the first Premonstratensian house in the Lorraine region. This founding launched the order's presence and influence in the area.
The place reflects the spiritual rhythm of the Premonstratensian community, who structured their days between prayer and pastoral work for surrounding villages. You can sense how the monks used these spaces for both solitude and service to others.
The grounds are open to visitors during special occasions like Heritage Days, with guided tours available to explore the site. Tours help explain the architectural features and the religious significance of this former monastery.
In 1257, the monastery established the Saint-Nicaise seminary in nearby Pont-à-Mousson to train novices from multiple Premonstratensian communities. This expansion shows how the house influenced the order well beyond its own walls.
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