Munkeby Abbey ruin

It is possible that, like Hovedøya Abbey and Lyse Abbey, Munkeby's foundation was established and kept by English monks. In 1207, Tautra Abbey was founded nearby, and, either then or at some later point during the 13th century, the community and assets of Munkeby were transferred to the new foundation.

An attempt to re-establish it as an independent house in the 1470s failed. The church however continued to be used as a parish church until 1587.

In 2007, the now-Trappist Abbey of Cîteaux in France decided to establish a new Cistercian monastery at Munkeby, the first new foundation from the very first house of the Order in 500 years. A monastery was built and four monks took residence there in 2009. The new monastery is situated about 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) from the medieval ruins.