Abbey of Saint-Benoît-en-Woëvre
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description
the abbey of Saint-Benoît-en-Woëvre is situated in the heart of the Meuse department, in close proximity to Lake Lachaussée. Today, the only remaining part of the abbey is the two-storey façade of the main building dating from the 18th century. The site is overgrown with trees and shrubs. Originally founded in 1129 as a Benedictine monastery, Saint-Benoît-en-Woëvre later became a Cistercian abbey. The first abbot, Albert, presided over the priory until 1144. In 1740, a new, grander, more opulent building was erected east of the original property. The elaborate, expensive renovation and reconstruction works lead to significant financial hardship. Consequently, the abbey of Saint-Benoît-en-Woëvre had to be sold and, shortly thereafter, it was demolished.