The Abbey of Dalon is one of the many monastic houses founded by Gerald of Salles (c. 1050-1120). It was established in 1114 thanks to the intervention of the brothers Gérald and Gouffier de Lastours, who donated the land necessary for the new foundation. After the founder's death, the community of Dalon sought the support of the Cistercian abbey of Pontigny for instruction and to consolidate its monastic organization.
Before long, Dalon established other monasteries in the region: Bonlieu (Creuse, 1119), Boeuil (Haute-Vienne, 1123), Locdieu (Aveyron, 1123), Aubignac (Creuse, 1138), Prébenoît (Creuse, 1140), and Palais (Creuse, 1156), thus forming a congregation that followed Cistercian customs. In 1159, the congregation requested full integration into the Cistercian Order, which was granted in 1162, making it part of the Pontigny filiation. Monastic life continued until the mid-14th century, when the effects of the Hundred Years' War led to a sharp decline: from around eighty monks at the beginning of the century, only about ten remained.
In 1529, the first commendatory abbot was appointed, with the position granted to Hélie de Colonges. During the 17th century, much of the monastery was rebuilt due to its deteriorating condition, but by 1712, the church was still in ruins. Despite this, the Abbey of Dalon managed to survive until the French Revolution, when it was dissolved. Over time, the monastic complex continued to deteriorate, and today only the remains of the lateral apses of the medieval church (13th century) survive. Additionally, the chapter house has been preserved, now integrated into a residential building.
Affiliation of Dalon
According to Originum Cisterciensium (L. Janauschek, 1877)
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The remains of the Abbey of Dalon are located in the eastern part of the Dordogne department, east of Périgueux