Abbaye de Fontmorigny

The Fontmorigny Abbey (Fons Morigniaci) is a former Cistercian abbey in the current Centre region of France. It is located in the present-day commune of Menetou-Couture, about 45 km east of Bourges, on the border of the historical regions of Berry and Nivernais.

The monastery dates back to a hermitage built around the year 1100, which became a Benedictine abbey before 1127, and then joined the Cistercian order in 1149 as a daughter house of the primary abbey of Clairvaux. Significant parts of the buildings were erected in the 12th century. At the beginning of the 13th century, the well-equipped monastery housed over 100 monks. The groin vaults of the guest wing's cellar date from this period. The so-called lay brothers' refectory (in a building set apart to the west of the cloister) dates from the mid-13th century. The church was consecrated in 1225. After 1250, the number of lay brothers decreased. Subsequently, the monastery, which then housed only about 20 monks, was expanded more luxuriously, including by dividing the lay brothers' dormitory. At the end of the 15th century, a new guest wing was built. The monastery fell into commendam, and in the 16th century, a house for the commendatory abbot was built, of which the vaulted kitchen and a staircase are preserved. The choir of the church was altered around 1605. In the 17th century, the church was ruinous. A restoration took place in 1730. During this, the side aisles, as well as three of the five bays of the nave and the side chapels, were demolished. The remaining two nave bays received a new facade. The floor of the church was raised. A new cloister was built around the existing one. Furthermore, a large pond was created. After the French Revolution, only the buildings that could be used for agricultural operations were preserved by the frequently changing owners. After 1850, a metallurgical company moved in, and the convent buildings housed worker families until around 1880. After 1882, part of the east wing burned down and was not rebuilt. The monastery was converted into a residential building for local notables. In 1923, the complex was sold and became a speculative object. Building materials and inventory were sold. The cloister fell into ruins, of which little more than the enclosing walls remained. In 1981, a storm caused the bell tower over the crossing to collapse. A circle of friends for the preservation of the abbey was formed in 1982. The abbey, classified as a "Monument historique," was sold to new owners in 1987, who are committed to its preservation. Since then, major restorations have taken place.