# Interior view [View the canonical artwork record]() ## Artwork - Artist: [ARCHITECT, French]() - Date: 1151-1200 - Technique: Photo ## Commentary Amongst the most spectacular buildings from the Romanesque period in France are the Cistercian monasteries in the foothills of the Alps and the Pyrenees. They were built in the second half of the twelfth century. The Cistercian churches of Provence are simple, clearly structured spaces made from the stonework of the highest quality. They rely for their effect largely on their idyllic setting and the serenity of the nature surrounding them. The Abbey of Fontfroide was founded as a Benedictine abbey in 1093 and affiliated with the Cistercians in 1145. Construction on the church began soon after. It is an aisled pseudo-basilica with five bays and a transept consisting of three squares. Opening onto the transept are a polygonal central apse with an extended bay, two smaller chapels and two side apses, also of polygonal shape. A pointed barrel vault spans the nave. A five-part tracery window takes up the whole of the upper wall above the forechoir bay. The cloisters and chapter house date from the 12th century and are excellent examples of Romanesque architecture. The photo shows the nave of the church. ## Related artworks - [Aerial view]() - [Aerial view]() - [Aerial view]() - [Aerial view]() - [Aerial view]() - [Aerial view]() - [Aerial view]() - [Aerial view]() - [Aerial view]() - [Bird's eye view]() - [Burial lantern]() - [Castle]() ## Attribution [Web Gallery of Art]()