Maredsous Abbey

The abbey, founded by the Benedictines in 1872 in the Molignée valley, is characterized by a neo-Gothic style. The dominant church building, the monastery, various outbuildings, including the old craft school, create a harmonious whole, surrounded by
forested nature. Maredsous was raised to the rank of abbey in 1878 by Pope Leo XIII. The monks living here live according to the rule of Saint Benedict. It divides the life of a monk between prayer, work and the tradition of welcome.

Maredsous Abbey is known for its cheese and beer production, which has been brewed in collaboration with the Duvel Moortgat brewery since 1863. In 2023, a microbrewery was opened in the abbey, where seasonal beers are brewed. They can only be purchased in Maredsous. The primary mission of monks is to welcome people. Some come here to devote themselves to prayer and reflection, others wish to participate in retreats. They are welcomed in the monastery guest house. In 1883, a secondary school named after Saint Benedict was established on the abbey grounds, which still operates today.

Maredsous Abbey in Belgium – sightseeing and tourist attractions. Maredsous Abbey in Belgium – sightseeing and tourist attractions.

Maredsous Abbey. Belgium. Maredsous Abbey. Belgium.

Visiting Maredsous Abbey Belgium – attractions for tourists. Sightseeing Maredsous Abbey Belgium – attractions for tourists.

Cheeses from the Maredsous Abbey, Belgium – traditional Benedictine products. Cheeses from Maredsous Abbey Belgium – traditional Benedictine products. 54 Maredsous Abbey Brewery - Beer Testing. Belgium.

Restaurant at Maredsous Abbey. Belgium. Maredsous restaurant. Belgium.

Maredsous Abbey Restaurant - beer and cheese testing. Belgium. Maredsous Abbey Restaurant - Beer and Cheese Testing. Belgium.

Beer and cheese at Maredsous Abbey. Belgium. Beer and cheese at Maredsous Abbey. Belgium.

Maredret - Benedictine Abbey

Maredsous Abbey is open to tourists all year round. At their disposal is the Saint Joseph center, where there is a café, restaurant and souvenir shop. This incredibly picturesque region encourages hiking. The abbey has prepared various walking routes in the Molignée valley, ranging from 2.7 km to 7.1 km. In 2016, the monks opened a small museum of cheese made in Maredsous. Tours, including tastings, are only possible with a guide.

Near Maredsous is the Maredret Abbey, founded in 1893 by Benedictine nuns. The motto of the assembly is the slogan – pray and work. In 2003, the order established a school teaching illumination using techniques based on medieval illumination. The congregation organizes retreats for young people, communal adorations, and prayers for anyone who desires a moment of reflection and silence. In 2016, the nuns began brewing beer to raise funds for the renovation of the abbey and for their own upkeep. The easiest way to reach Maredsous Abbey is by car, but it is worth choosing another means of transport. A journey by handcar from the town Falaën, among picturesque corners of the Molignée Valley, is a good way to get to know these wonderful areas.

Maredret Abbey. Belgium. Maredret Abbey. Belgium.

Maredret Abbey of the Benedictine Sisters. Belgium. Maredret Abbey of the Benedictine Sisters. Belgium.

Maredret Abbey - beer brewed by nuns. Belgium. Maredret Abbey - beer brewed by nuns. Belgium.

Address:
Rue de Maredsous 11
B 5537 Denée
Belgium

Opening hours:
Monday-Friday: 11:00-18:00
Saturday-Sunday: 10.00-19.00

Fare:
Free admission

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