History

History

Inaugurated by the count of Foix Roger III, the abbey of Boulbonne was founded in Mazères in 1129. The abbey takes its name from the lush forest of Boulbonne, located between Cintegabelle, Mazères and Pamiers. In 1150, the Benedictine monks of the abbey, like many at that time, joined the Cistercian order. During its development, the abbey of Boulbonne hosted, among other things, the ecclesiastical beginnings of Jacques Fournier, who became Pope Benedict.XII in 1334.

Portrait du pape Benoît XII

Portrait of Pope Benedict.XII

In 1567, the abbey was completely destroyed by the Protestants. The monks were then sent to their novitiate in Toulouse (rue Boulbonne). The idea of rebuilding the abbey was presented to the monks in 1620. Their domain in Cintegabelle, located between Ariège and Hers, named Tramesaygues, was chosen for the reconstruction of the abbey. Work began in 1652 and lasted 86 years. Edmond Martene and Ursin Durand wrote about the abbey of Boulbonne in 1717, in their Literary Journey of two Benedictine monks.: ".We rebuilt this house with so much magnificence that it can pass for one of the most beautiful of the Order of Cîteaux. She is also one of the best.".

Porte de la salle des archives

Archives room door

Porte de la salle des archives

Archives room door

In 1567, the abbey was completely destroyed by the Protestants. The monks were then sent to their novitiate in Toulouse (rue Boulbonne). The idea of rebuilding the abbey was presented to the monks in 1620. Their domain in Cintegabelle, located between Ariège and Hers, named Tramesaygues, was chosen for the reconstruction of the abbey. Work began in 1652 and lasted 86 years. Edmond Martene and Ursin Durand wrote about the abbey of Boulbonne in 1717, in their Literary Journey of two Benedictine monks.: ".We rebuilt this house with so much magnificence that it can pass for one of the most beautiful of the Order of Cîteaux. She is also one of the best.".

During the revolutionary period, the abbey of Boulbonne was no exception to the destruction and two thirds of the building disappeared. As for the furniture, it was found scattered throughout the region. But one can find for example at the church of Cintegabelle, the magnificent organ of the old church of the abbey of Boulbonne.

Orgue en bois doré de l'église de Cintegabelle

Gilded wooden organ from the church of Cintegabelle