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Origin and history

Aubazine Abbey, also known as Obazine Abbey, is a former Cistercian abbey located in Corrèze, in the commune of Aubazines. Founded around 1125 by Étienne de Vielzot and Pierre, it becomes a cenobitic community after beginning as a hermitage. In 1142, Stephen received the Cistercian habit and the abbey was officially erected, including a male monastery and another for women at the Coyroux. The abbey church, begun in 1156, was consecrated in 1176 by the archbishop of Bourges and the bishop of Limoges.

In the 17th century, the abbey had nearly 300 religious and enjoyed economic growth thanks to agricultural barns in Limousin and Quercy. Major restorations took place in the 17th and 18th centuries, but in 1731 six spans of the nave were demolished to reduce costs. During the Revolution, the abbey was abolished and became a national property. In the 19th century, it housed an orphanage where Coco Chanel spent part of her childhood, which later influenced her style.

The abbey was listed as a historic monument in 1840 for its church and in 1988 for its convent buildings. It now houses religious communities and offers cultural activities. His 13th century tomb, offered by Louis IX, houses the remains of Saint Stephen of Obazine. The stained glass and stalls of the eighteenth century, as well as murals such as the Virgin of Pitié (1466), bear witness to her rich artistic heritage.

The abbey also inspired cinematographic and philatelic works, such as a stamp issued in 1978. Archaeological excavations began in 1976 at the Priory of Coyroux, revealing more about its medieval history. Several religious communities, including the Melkite sisters and the Community of the Word of Life, lived there in the 20th century.

The monks' canal, built to feed the abbey with water, and the agricultural barns testify to its medieval economic organization. The church, despite its mutilations, remains a remarkable example of Cistercian architecture with its polygonal bedside and symmetrical chapels. The Cistercian Lights show, created in 2007, traces the story of its founder, Étienne d'Obazine.

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