Abbey of Notre-Dame de Guîtres
Abbaye de Guîtres / S Maria de Aquistriis / Guistrensis
(Guîtres, Gironde)
The Benedictine abbey of Notre-Dame de Guîtres, although not well-known, is believed to have been founded between 1060 and 1080, probably linked to the abbey of Saint-Martin de Fronsac, which later became a priory dependent on Guîtres. The abbots of this monastic house are documented from the early 12th century. However, an older tradition places its origins in the Carolingian era, after which it would have disappeared due to Norman invasions and been restored later.
In 1171, a papal bull issued by Pope Alexander III placed the abbey under the protection of Rome. This document confirmed the observance of the Rule of Saint Benedict and recognized its possessions, which included numerous churches, among them Saint-Martin de Fronsac. The abbey suffered heavily during the Hundred Years’ War, especially during the Battle of Guîtres, which took place in the area. By the late 15th century, it began to be governed by commendatory abbots.
In 1569, the abbey was attacked by the Huguenots, who left the monastery in ruins and forced the dispersal of the community. These events caused severe losses, including the destruction of its archive, which explains the lack of detailed historical records. During the tenure of Abbot Fabri de Peiresc (1618–1637), the monastery began its recovery by being incorporated into the Congregation of Exempts. This gave it a new lease on life and allowed it to remain active until the 17th century. However, in 1774, the abbey was suppressed, and during the French Revolution, its properties were sold.
The only part of the complex that survived destruction was the church, which was converted into a parish. This church has a three-aisled layout with a transept. The central apse features an ambulatory with three radial chapels, while two additional apsidioles are located in the arms of the transept. The chevet and transept are the oldest parts, dating from 1130 to 1140, while the naves were constructed later.
Blazon of the monastery, according to Armorial général de France (s. XVIII)
Bibliothèque nationale de France
- AUBERT, R. (1988). Dictionnaire d'histoire et de géographie ecclésiastiques. Vol. 22. París: Letouzey et Ané
- BEAUNIER, Dom (1910). Abbayes et prieurés de l'ancienne France. Vol. 3: Auch, Bordeaux. Abbaye de Ligugé
- DUBOURG-NOVES, Pierre (1969). Guyenne romane. La Pierre-qui-Vire: Zodiaque
- GODIN, André (1888). Histoire de la ville et du canton de Guîtres. Bordeus: Duthu
- SAINT-MAUR, Congregació de (1720). Gallia Christiana in provincias ecclesiasticas distributa. Vol. 2. París: Typographia Regia
- THIBOUT, Marc (1941). Guîtres. Congrès rchéologique de France. CII session. Bordeaux el Bayonne. París: Picard
The church of the former abbey of Notre-Dame de Guîtres is located in the village of the same name, situated to the north of Libourne