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Orval-(Abbaye Notre-Dame d'Orval)Orval Abbey is nestled among the forests of the Gaume region, in the province of Luxembourg, the French-speaking part of Belgium. Situated 30 kilometers from another major tourist attraction of the region, the town of Bouillon. Orval is known not only for its centuries-old history of spiritual life, but also for brewing the wonderful Orval Trappist beer and producing a yellow cheese with a very specific taste.
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The first monks arrived in Orval in 1070, from southern Italy. When Count Arnould de Chiny granted them the land, they immediately began building a church and monastery buildings. After forty years, the monks left Orval for unknown reasons. The construction work they began was continued by the community of canons, who completed the construction of the church in 1124, which was then consecrated by the Bishop of Verdun. In 1132 the abbey became the property of the Cistercian Order.
Over the centuries, Orval has experienced many disasters. The great fire of 1252 caused destruction that weighed on the community for almost a century. In 1637, at the height of the Thirty Years' War, the army completely plundered the monastery and its buildings. During the French Revolution the abbey was completely destroyed. Its reconstruction from ruins began in 1926. The plans for the new abbey were created by the architect Henry Vaes. It was built on the same foundations as the 18th-century monastery. On September 8, 1948, the ceremonial consecration of the new church completed the abbey's reconstruction.
Nowadays, Orval is the region's biggest attraction. The abbey, home to a dozen or so monks, is, apart from its great tourist attractions, also famous for its beer, which has been brewed for years, and its unique yellow cheese. The only historic part of the abbey, the ruins, is open to visitors. The new monastery is the place where they live and the monks pray. People who wish to spend time in prayer and experience monastic life can also stay here for a week.
Over the centuries, Orval has experienced many disasters. The great fire of 1252 caused destruction that weighed on the community for almost a century. In 1637, at the height of the Thirty Years' War, the army completely plundered the monastery and its buildings. During the French Revolution the abbey was completely destroyed. Its reconstruction from ruins began in 1926. The plans for the new abbey were created by the architect Henry Vaes. It was built on the same foundations as the 18th-century monastery. On September 8, 1948, the ceremonial consecration of the new church completed the abbey's reconstruction.
Nowadays, Orval is the region's biggest attraction. The abbey, home to a dozen or so monks, is, apart from its great tourist attractions, also famous for its beer, which has been brewed for years, and its unique yellow cheese. The only historic part of the abbey, the ruins, is open to visitors. The new monastery is the place where they live and the monks pray. People who wish to spend time in prayer and experience monastic life can also stay here for a week.
The Legend of Orval
According to legend, around 1070, Countess Matilda, who came from Tuscany, went to Orval, shortly after the death of her husband Godfrey the Hunchback. Sitting on the bank of a spring, she dropped her wedding ring, a memento of her deceased husband. The search for the ring proved fruitless. After praying in a nearby church, Matilda returned to the stream. Suddenly a fish emerged from the water, holding the countess's ring in its mouth. Delighted Matilda exclaimed: "this place really is Val d'Or" or the golden valley. Out of gratitude, she decided to establish a monastery in this area.
The ruins of the old abbey
While visiting Orval, you can visit the ruins of an 11th-century abbey and the Beer Museum. Among the historic buildings there is a 300-year-old oak tree where you can sit and relax. In a small cinema room It is worth watching a film about the Cistercian order, their philosophy of life and serving God. On the abbey grounds we can also visit the medicinal plant garden and the Pharmacy Museum.
Orval Brewery
Located within the abbey, the brewery was created in 1931 to generate money for the reconstruction of Orval. He employed ordinary people, including master brewer Pappenheimer, who created the recipe for Orval beer. The brewery belongs to the group of Trappist breweries. There are only a dozen or so breweries in the world authorized to use this name. Tourists can only visit the buildings where the beer is brewed during annual open days.
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Adres:
Abbaye d'Orval Orval 1 6823 Villers-devant-Orval |
Opening hours:
Winter (December-February): 10.30-17.30 Mid-season: 9:30-18:00 Summer (June-September): 9.30-18.30 |
Fare:
7 euros |