Abbey of Our Lady of Tongerlo
Tongerlo Abbey is an ideal place for a cultural and religious trip. Founded around 1130 on the initiative of Giselbert van Castelre, over the centuries from a small abbey it has become one of the most influential educational centers with a unique library. Both the 17th-century Calvinist activities and the 18th-century French Revolution had a negative impact on the abbey. In 1929, a huge fire destroyed most of the buildings. The youngest confreres found refuge within the walls of the Leffe monastery, thus contributing to the renewed flourishing of this Walloon Norbertine order.
Tongerlo Architecture
Entering the main gate to the abbey, we pass the classicist abbot's house on the right. Its construction began in 1724. The adjacent building is the bishop's house, which was built from 1547 according to the plans of master Rombout Keldermans. On the north side of the courtyard is the abbey church. This neo-Gothic temple was built between 1852 and 1858. Its facade adjoins on one side the monastery buildings from 1847, and on the other side the meeting house (1927-1928). In 1999, the temple reopened after more than 5 years of renovation.
Copy of the painting The Last Supper
In the church, it is worth paying attention to the beautiful stained glass windows, the oak stalls in the choir from 1957, and the Klais organ from 1933. The side chapel contains the relics of Saint Siardus, Premonstratensian abbot of Mariëngaarde Abbey in Friesland (1194-1230).
Since 1545, the Tongerlo Abbey has possessed the most faithful and beautiful replica of The Last Supper, painted by Leonardo da Vinci in the dining room of the monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. It reveals many details that due to destruction they are no longer visible on the original fresco. A copy of this outstanding work hangs above the entrance to the temple.
Since 1545, the Tongerlo Abbey has possessed the most faithful and beautiful replica of The Last Supper, painted by Leonardo da Vinci in the dining room of the monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan. It reveals many details that due to destruction they are no longer visible on the original fresco. A copy of this outstanding work hangs above the entrance to the temple.
Tongerlo beer
Until 1914, the abbey had its own brewery where Tongerlo beer was brewed. During World War I, the Germans confiscated the copper brewing vessels, preventing the brewery from continuing to operate. In 1954, beer production resumed in the town of Geel. Tongerlo is currently produced by the Haacht brewery in Boortmeerbeek. In 2014, Tongerlo blond beer won the title of the best beer in the world, regardless of category.
