Cluny Abbey is a Gem of the Burgundy
Cluny Abbey in the Burgundy Region of France, along with many other churches, owes it design to a young monk named William of Volpiano. Recognized as a highly gifted designer and Volpiano receives the title of the “father of the Romanesque style”.
The term Romanesque means rounded arches and windows, simple classical columns with carved capitals, and a usually rounded apse beyond the altar at the eastern end. It was the major form of church architecture until the 12th century with the evolution of the Gothic style.
Plan to spend at least one day here. The town of Cluny is well worth a look and you want to have plenty of time at Cluny Abbey. There are so many architectural details to examine that these photos cannot begin to portray the beauty. The little things like the way the light floods through the high window in the morning give a mystical atmosphere. Allow plenty of time to absorb the beauty.
Majesty on high
It’s all in the details
The surviving structures of Cluny Abbey represent only 10% of its original size.
History
In terms of social assitance, the abbey was ahead of its time in my opinion.
“Cluny held the duties of hospitality and charity in high esteem, and developed the institutions of public assistance, naming special functionaries in charge with these tasks. The “guardian of the guest-rooms,” received the horsemen, while the “almoner” was charged with welcoming pedestrians and mendicants. Every day, abundant alms were distributed to the poor of the locality and to outsiders as well.” Quoted from Medieval Travel Guide
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