Loc-Dieu Abbey

About

Loc-Dieu Abbey is a French Cistercian abbey located in Martiel, 9 km west of Villefranche-de-Rouergue, in the Aveyron department. It has the peculiarity of being a fortified abbey. Today is a private property.

Foundation: In a region of dolmens and robbers, Roger, second abbot of Dalon in Limousin, sent thirteen monks to Rouergue to found in 1123 the first abbey in the spirit of the Abbey of Cîteaux. The foundation date is subject to discussion: March 21, 1123 or 1124. It is known that on May 25, 1124, Ardouin de Parisot gave the brothers of Loc-Dieu an important gift which made him consider by some as the founder. The bishop of Rodez, Adhémar III, gave them the church and tithes of Colombians. It was then lords from the surrounding area who granted the abbey rents and land. The chosen place is geologically remarkable. A clay pocket gives him water and large woods, an ideal refuge for the nearby stretchers from Rodez to Cahors. This place was ill-fated and deserved the nickname of locus diaboli, the devil's place. The detangles of monks and robbers have become legendary...