Poblet and Fontfroide: Two Cistercian Abbeys, a Storied Connection Across the

Bearing a common purpose and a history that intertwines, Poblet in Spain and Fontfroide in France have experienced more than their fair share. Founded in 1093, Fontfroide served as a mother house, bestowed by the Count of Barcelona. This sister monastery, however, didn't have an easy ride. In 1144, it joined the Cistercian reform movement, and for centuries, it battled the Cathars. In 1348, the Black Death made an appearance, followed by another setback in 1791 - the French Revolution.

Yet, Fontfroide managed to press on, reviving in 1858 when monks from Sénanque Abbey took charge. But, as fate would have it, challenges persisted. Legal changes in 1901 forced these monks into exile in Spain. The abbey was later acquired in 1908 by Gustave and Madeleine Fayet d'Andoque, who preserved, restored, and repurposed it into a hub for arts projects. Today, Fontfroide flourishes under private ownership, producing AOC Corbières quality wine, running a working farm, operating a bookstore, and hosting a restaurant. Poblet, its sister counterpart, has faced its own tribulations yet maintains its allure for visitors.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons