Foundation of Bonnefont Abbey 1136 (≈ 1136)
Cistercian Abbey known as "Saint-Denis des Comminges".
1789-1799
Sale as a national good
Sale as a national good 1789-1799 (≈ 1794)
Post-Revolution dismantlement beginning in the 19th century.
1824-1828
Demolition by Lacombe
Demolition by Lacombe 1824-1828 (≈ 1826)
Reuse stones for his home.
14 juin 1994
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 14 juin 1994 (≈ 1994)
Protection of the lapidary elements of the abbey.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
All the stone elements from Bonnefont Abbey and clad on the façade of the building (as buildings by destination) (Box AB 281): classification by order of 14 June 1994
Key figures
Lacombe - Acquisition of the Abbey (XIXth century)
Responsible for partial dismantling in 1824-1828.
Origin and history
The former gendarmerie building, located in Saint-Martory (Haute-Garonne), is marked by its link with the Cistercian Abbey of Bonnefont, founded in 1136. Nicknamed the Saint-Denis of the Counts of Comminges, this abbey was a major religious place until the Revolution, where it was sold as a national good. Its stones, scattered in the 19th century, now adorn the facade of the old gendarmerie, testifying to its monastic past.
In the 19th century (1824-1828), Abbé Lacombe, acquirer of the ruins, dismantled part of the abbey to build his home. The portal of the capitular hall was offered at the church of Saint-Martory, while other elements, such as a facade and parts of the cloister, were moved to neighbouring communes (Proupriary, Saint-Gaudens). These remains, classified in 1994, are now protected under the Historic Monuments.
The present building, owned by an association, preserves on its facade (1 Rue du Barrerat) the stone traces of the abbey, unique architectural relics of Bonnefont. Their preservation illustrates the changes in religious heritage after the Revolution, between destruction, reuse and partial preservation. However, the accuracy of their location remains poor (note: 5/10), reflecting the documentary gaps on their exact route.
