Silvacane Abbey

Silvacane Abbey, founded in 1144 as a "filia" of Morimond Abbey (Haute Marne) is one of the three Cistercian abbeys in Provence known as the "three sisters of Provence" ("les trois soeurs provençales"). The sisters are Sénanque, Le Thoronet and Silvacane. The abbey was founded on swampy grounds near to the Durance (cane=reed). With the support of the regional nobility the abbey prospered. The wealth of the Cistercians provoked the envy of the Benedictines of Montmajour Abbey, who attacked Silvacane in 1289 and took the Cistercians hostage for a while. The abbey got looted by mercenaries in 1358 and in 1443 the monks had to abandon Silvacane. The buildings became the property of the chapter of Aix Cathedral. The church was turned into the parish church of La Roque-d’Anthéron.

Over the next centuries, the buildings fell into disrepair, as they were used as a quarry. Finally the premises were auctioned off during the French Revolution and were used as a farm. In 1846 the church was bought by the French government and declared an historical monument. The other buildings were still used as a farm until 1949. Meanwhile the complex is well restored and shows the sober Cistercian architecture of the 12th century.

Seen here is the western facade of the church, the left transept and the small crossing tower.