Coupar Angus Abbey refers to a former monastic house located in Coupar Angus, a town in the Perth and Kinross area of Scotland. Dating back to the 13th century, it was initially established as a Cistercian Abbey in 1161.
The term "abbey" typically denotes a religious institution governed by an abbot or abbess, and Coupar Angus Abbey falls into this category. It served as a place of contemplation, spiritual worship, and communal living for a community of monks following the Cistercian order. The Cistercians were an ascetic branch of monks who sought to live a simple and austere lifestyle, devoted to prayer, meditation, and manual labor.
The site of Coupar Angus Abbey consisted of various buildings, including the main chapel, cloisters, monk's cells, refectory, and workshops. It had large arched windows, stone pillars, and intricate architectural features that exemplified the Gothic style prevalent during that era. The abbey also possessed vast lands and holdings, which provided income and resources to support the community's needs.
Over the centuries, the abbey underwent several modifications and expansions, reflecting the changing needs and tastes of its occupants. However, like many monastic institutions, Coupar Angus Abbey fell into decline and disrepair after the Scottish Reformation in the 16th century, when monastic orders were dissolved and their assets seized.
Today, what remains of Coupar Angus Abbey are mainly ruins and fragments, serving as a historical site that attracts visitors interested in exploring Scotland's rich religious and architectural heritage.
