The Cistercian order was founded in 1098, in Burgundy by the abbot Robert de Molesmes, who proclaimed the abdication of the rule of St. Benedict. The Cistercians introduced not only a new religious program but also an innovative architectural program, criticizing the unnecessary “splendour” of the Benedictine edifices. So the transition was made to a sober and clear architecture, based on balance, discretion and functionality, instead of extravagant decorations. This is how the transept, “in the cross” churches appeared, with rectangular shapes, replacing the Benedictine semicircular shapes. The first attestation of the Cistercian Monastery from Cârța takes place in 1202, the settlement being built at the request of the Cistercian monks from Igriș. The foundation took place in the period 1202-1209, being originally made of wood and having Romanesque architecture, typical of Benedictine, not Cistercian, places of worship. This architectural style was in harmony with the monastic settlements of the area, as typical Cistercian architectural techniques had not yet penetrated Transylvania.