The Cluniac priory of Domène was located to the east of Grenoble. It remained active from its foundation in the 11th century until its suppression in 1788. It was a prosperous and notable house until the 16th century, when it entered a period of decline. Today, only the ruins of the church survive.
The Priory of Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul de Domène was founded from the Abbey of Cluny (Saône-et-Loire) in the time of Abbot Odilo (c. 961–1049), thanks to the support of the lords of Domène. In 1027, Aynard († 1080), his wife and his brothers donated various properties and churches in this area to the Burgundian monastery, in order to establish a monastic house there, dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul. The priory later benefited from further gifts of lands and revenues, granted by Aynard himself.
A church was built and solemnly consecrated in 1058, under Abbot Hugh of Cluny (1049–1109), in the presence, among others, of the Archbishop of Vienne. Towards the end of his life, the founder retired to the priory, where he was buried. In time, the priory became the family’s burial place. Between 1120 and 1122, Peter the Venerable was prior of this house before becoming Abbot of Cluny. He was connected with Saint Bruno, founder of the Carthusian Order, and also with Bernard of Clairvaux.
Illustration from Miscellanea secundum usum ordinis Cluniacensis (12th-13th centuries)
Until the 15th century, the priory received the support of the lords of Domène and their successors, the Monteynard family. Later, in the Gothic period, the church underwent alterations to its structure. From the 16th century onwards, the priory entered into decline, a situation that lasted until its suppression in 1788. After the Revolution, the site passed into private hands. Today, only the walls of the church remain.
Illustration from Cartulare monasterii beatorum Petri et Pauli de Domina (1859)
Bibliothèque nationale de France
Illustration from Cartulare monasterii beatorum Petri et Pauli de Domina (1859)
Bibliothèque nationale de France
Illustration from Cartulare monasterii beatorum Petri et Pauli de Domina (1859)
Bibliothèque nationale de France
- AUBERT, R. (1960). Dictionnaire d'histoire et de géographie ecclésiastiques. Vol. 14. París: Letouzey et Ané
- COTTINEAU, Laurent-Henri (1936). Répertoire topo-bibliographique des abbayes et prieurés. Vol. 1. Mâcon: Protat
- DU BOYS, Albert; ed. (1859). Cartulare monasterii beatorum Petri et Pauli de Domina, Cluniacensis ordinis Gratianopolitanae dioecesis. Lió: Perrin
- LAINÉ, Louis (1840). Généalogie de la maison de Monteynard. París: Moquet
The ruins of the priory of Domène stand in the commune of the same name, to the east of Grenoble