Holy Cross Abbey

Daughter monasteries

No

Holy Cross Abbey (Irish Mainistir na Croise Naofa; Sancta Crux ) is a former Cistercian abbey in County Tipperary in the Republic of Ireland today. It lies about 7 km south of Thurles on the road to Cashel and on the banks of the River Suir, County Tipperary.

History

The monastery had been in 1180 (or even 1169 as a Benedictine monastery ) by Donal Mór O'Brien ( † 1194), King of Thomond, as a repository for a Cross relic by Pope Paschal II, his father Murtogh O'Brien in the year 1110 left ( according to other data, the cross relic was first brought in 1233 by Isabella of Angoulême to 1233 to Ireland ). As a daughter house of Monasteranenagh Abbey ( Abbey Nenay ) it belonged to the filiation of Clairvaux Abbey Primary. The monastery became an important place of pilgrimage. It was rebuilt in the 14th century and enlarged. After its dissolution in 1536, the buildings were preserved and in 1601 Hugh Roe O'Donnell should have visited the monastery. 1632 should have been issued for the last time the cross relic. The cross- particles finally reached in the Ursuline Convent in Cork. After 1632, the abbey fell into disrepair, which was declared a National Monument in 1880. After 1969, the abbey has been restored and received from Rome a new cross- particles.

Buildings and plant

The cruciform church stands out for its unusual window on the west and east as well as in the south transept. The nave belongs to the transitional style. The south transept has two Ostkapellen, one with a remarkable vault, which are separated by a passage, the roof is supported by two twisted columns, and possibly was the site of the cross relic. Also the north transept with faint traces of murals has two Ostkapellen. The crossing carries ( as with most Irish Cistercian monasteries ) with a square tower. The plastic design of the choir is well preserved thanks to the durability of the local limestone. In the chancel is a monument from the 14th century, called " Tomb of the Good Woman 's Son ". The exam is just south of the church, with Cellarium and dormitory in the west and sacristy, chapter house and parlatorium in the east.