Sacred Spaces > Abbaye de Bohéries
  | | The Cistercian Abbey of Bohéries Originating from Clairvaux, the Abbey of Bohéries was founded in 1143 by monks who had come from the Abbey of Foigny in Thiérache. Situated in the Oise valley, near to Guise, a border fortress for many years, the abbey, like the region as a whole, has greatly suffered from the European wars and was laid in ruins and rebuilt several times. Protected by the still largely intact abbey enclosure, the Cistercian hydraulic system (drainage channels, reaches and pond) is, apart from the archaeological site, the oldest part of what exists of the primitive Abbey. It has had a lasting impact on a moving and in many respects exemplary landscape. It is a haven of peace and a de facto nature and environmental reserve. Classified Monument Historique, the abbey farm (or abbey "service buildings”) dates from the middle of the 18th century. It is the only significant remaining building of the abbey, rebuilt between 1650 and 1740. It is arranged in two symmetrical wings around one of the most beautiful dovecotes in Picardy. The abbey farm is currently being restored with aid from the State and the Aisne department. Bohéries is open to the public from May to the end of October (visits for groups, and especially school groups, can be organised outside the normal opening hours) and cultural events are organised there. |
