The Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, or Trappists, are a a Roman Catholic religious order, and follow the Rule of St. Benedict.
They are a branch of the Cistercians. The order was founded in 1662 by a converted courtier at La Trappe, in France, hence the name.
Although their order's rules imply observance, and in particular abstinence from alcohol, the monks of several Trappist monasteries make a living in producing liquor. Famous examples are in Belgium, where several Trappist monasteries produce famous trappist beers.
The Trappists received greater attention in recent years on account of the life and writings of Thomas Merton.
Monasteries include:
- Chimay, Belgium
- Hiji, Hayami District, Oita Prefecture, Japan
- Kamiiso , Hokkaido, Japan
- Latrun (about 15 kilometers west of Jerusalem), Israel
- Mariawald, Heimbach (Eifel), Germany
- Mepkin Abbey, Moncks Corner, South Carolina, USA
- New Melleray, near Dubuque, Iowa, USA
- Notre-Dame des Neiges , Ardèche, France
- Orval, Belgium
- Abbey of the Genesee, Piffard, New York, USA
- Rochefort, Belgium
- Trappist Haven Monastery, on Lantau Island, Hong Kong
- Westmalle, Belgium
- Westvleteren, Belgium
- Abbey of Gethsemani near Bardstown, Kentucky, USA
- Marija Zvijezda (Maria Stern) near Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
