VILLERS-LA-VILLE
12 kilometres east of Nivelles is the ruined Cistercian abbey of Villers-la-Ville. The dark ruins of the once magnificent abbey are a prime example of how the French Revolution treated places of worship. Monumental ruins where nature takes control of the surroundings make an incredible impression. Although ruined, the abbey is a magnificent testimony to medieval monastic architecture.
Villers-la-Ville, photo M. Rochowiak
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Villers-la-Ville, photo M. Rochowiak
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Villers-la-Ville, photo M. Rochowiak
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The origins of this wonderful place date back to 1146. Then a group of 12 monks, one abbot, and 5 lay brothers founded here, by order of Saint Bernard, a branch of the monastery in Clairvaux. Over time, the abbey began to grow and derive income from such an extensive farm (10,000 hectares). This allowed the construction of an impressive monastery complex to begin in 1200, covering an area of 15 hectares. In 1217 the choir was built, in 1240 the crypt, and in 1267 the refectory. The 13th century was the period of the abbey's greatest development. At that time, it was inhabited by about 100 monks and 300 monks.
The abbey remained a significant cultural centre in the Middle Ages. However, already in the 16th century, during the wars for the Netherlands, its slow decline began. In 1544, during an attack by Spanish troops, the church and monastery buildings were significantly damaged. After these experiences, the abbey managed to rise from the ruins. The final collapse came in 1794. The monastery was plundered and destroyed by French revolutionaries.
Fortunately, in 1893 the Belgian government purchased the abbey grounds and conservation work began. Thanks to this, at least part of this impressive monastery complex has survived to this day. In 1973, the ruins of the Cistercian Abbey of Villers-la-Ville were added to the list of historical monuments.
The abbey remained a significant cultural centre in the Middle Ages. However, already in the 16th century, during the wars for the Netherlands, its slow decline began. In 1544, during an attack by Spanish troops, the church and monastery buildings were significantly damaged. After these experiences, the abbey managed to rise from the ruins. The final collapse came in 1794. The monastery was plundered and destroyed by French revolutionaries.
Fortunately, in 1893 the Belgian government purchased the abbey grounds and conservation work began. Thanks to this, at least part of this impressive monastery complex has survived to this day. In 1973, the ruins of the Cistercian Abbey of Villers-la-Ville were added to the list of historical monuments.
The most impressive are the impressive ruins of the monastery church, located in the northern corner of the complex. Its dimensions, reminiscent of a cathedral rather than a Cistercian church, make a striking impression: 90 meters long, 40 meters wide, and 23 meters high at its highest point. Its magnificent nave was supported by massive cylindrical columns. The transept and chancel are the first known monuments of the Gothic style in Brabant. Also interesting are the heating room, the workshop, the Romanesque-Gothic refectory, the kitchen, and the brewery located on the edge of the entire complex.
The abbey also offers the opportunity to visit four gardens: the medicinal herb garden, the monks' garden, the abbot's garden, and the apothecary garden. While exploring the gardens, you can learn about many medieval herbs used by the monks. To see the beautiful blooming herbs and flowers, visit the abbey between late July and mid-September, when most of them are in bloom. A visit to the garden is included in the price of the entrance ticket to the abbey.
The abbey also offers the opportunity to visit four gardens: the medicinal herb garden, the monks' garden, the abbot's garden, and the apothecary garden. While exploring the gardens, you can learn about many medieval herbs used by the monks. To see the beautiful blooming herbs and flowers, visit the abbey between late July and mid-September, when most of them are in bloom. A visit to the garden is included in the price of the entrance ticket to the abbey.
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Adres:
Rue de l'Abbaye, 55 1495 Villers-la-Ville Belgium |
Opening hours:
November 1-March 31 10.00-17.00 open every day April 1 -October 31 10.00-18.00 open daily |
Fare:
Adults: 9 Euros Students: 7 Euros Children (6-12 years): 4 Euro Children (under 6 years): free Audio guide: 1.5 Euro |