 As is usual with early Cistercian buildings, the focus of the architecture is entirely on simplicity, austerity and harmony.The church interior, without decoration or distraction, is an outstanding example of 12th century Cistercian architecture.Like all Cistercian monasteries of the time, Silvacane was sited in a remote location next to a river or stream, in this case the Durance River, in an area overgrown with reeds.