Prémontré - Abbey

In 1120 Saint Norbert of Xanten founded a convent here, that became the mother house of the Premonstratensian Order. Just six years later, Norbert left the simple and contemplative life to become the Archbishop of Magdeburg. He was HRE Lothair II´s advisor and worked as his archchancellor for Italy.

Abbey and Order developed well over the centuries. The Premonstratensian Order still exists, but the abbey was suppressed and confiscated after the French Revolution. The property was sold and several buildings were demolished for building material.
Having passed through several hands, the abbey was finally acquired by the Département of Aisne. Since 1867 the remaining, large baroque buildings (16th/17th c.) are in use as a psychiatric hospital.