Villers Abbey — Attraction in Villers-la-Ville

Our family of four had a truly enchanting visit to the Abbaye de Villers (Villers Abbey) in Villers-la-Ville, Belgium. This historical gem, nestled in over 36 hectares of stunning grounds, offers a remarkable journey through time and emotions. Founded in the 12th Century under the guidance of Saint Bernard, the abbey's majestic ruins paint a vivid picture of Cistercian monks' lives.

Exploring this captivating site, we discovered 900 years of history, and there's something for everyone. The theme-based, guided visits provided deep insights into the abbey's past, while the family discovery walks added an element of adventure for our kids. Activity days kept us engaged, and open-air concerts and theater performances added a touch of culture to our visit.

The highlight, of course, was the abbey itself. The construction details fascinated us, from the choir built in 1217 to the crypt in 1240 and the refectory in 1267. The church, a monumental feat, took seven decades to complete, and its grandeur was awe-inspiring.

Learning about the abbey's heyday during the 13th century was captivating. Imagining around 100 monks and 300 lay brothers residing within these walls painted a vivid historical picture. The vast lands, spanning 100 km² of woods, fields, and pasturage, only added to the abbey's allure.

The abbey's decline in the 16th century, linked to the wider troubles of the Low Countries, was a poignant part of its history. Spanish tercios left their mark, but the partial restoration in 1587 kept the spirit alive. The 17th-century account by Crisóstomo Henríquez was a glimpse into the past.

As we moved through the 17th and 18th centuries, we felt the abbey's fading glory. Diminishing numbers of monks and declining wealth led to its abandonment in 1796 during the tumultuous times of the French Revolution.

In sum, our family's visit to Villers Abbey was an unforgettable experience, filled with history, exploration, and a deep connection to the past. We recommend it to anyone seeking an enriching and inspiring journey...

Villers Abbey, a Haunting Masterpiece of Gothic Architecture The Abbey of Villers is an ancient Cistercian monastery located in the municipality of Villers-la-Ville, in the province of Walloon Brabant. It is located 40km south of Brussels. This abbey was founded in 1146 by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. It was abandoned in 1796 as a result of the French Revolution. The abbey was once home to over 500 monks and covered an area of over 10,000 hectares. It was one of the most important Cistercian monasteries in Europe and played a major role in the development of Western civilization. The ruins of Villers Abbey are a reminder of the power and influence of the Catholic Church in Europe. They are also a testament to the skill and artistry of the Gothic architects who built the abbey. The ruins are now a popular tourist destination and a reminder of Belgium's rich history and attract more than 100,000 visitors each year. The site has been listed as a "Major Walloon Heritage" site since 1993 and is managed by Wallonia's Agency for Heritage. Things to do: Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the abbey and the life of the monks Visit the Saint Bernard Museum to see artifacts from the abbey's past Explore the ruins and imagine what life was like in the abbey in its heyday Have a picnic lunch and explore the grounds at your own pace Overall, the Abbey of Villers is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, or religion. The abbey is open to the public from April 1st to November 15th. Admission is 8€ for adults and 4€ for children. How to get there: The Abbey of Villers is located about 40km south of Brussels. It can be reached by car or by train. There is a train station in the town of Villers-la-Ville, which is a short walk...

Beautiful abbey ruins mixed with nature

These abbey ruins made for a beautiful stroll on a shiny day. There is a large car park in front of the abbey ("Avenue Georges Speechaerts"). The entry fee is 6 euros (adult). They organise a game in march: the QR Code game: a thief has robbed an artifact: to catch him you will have to search every nook and cranny of the abbey, using your mobile phone de decipher the clues he left behind. There are table for picnics inside the abbey.

Once outside, you can go for a walk: numerous marked paths are available: better to ask in the abbey's entrance.

You can stop grab a bite in the Caves du Moulin restaurant, just in front of the abbey. Their "sophisticated" hamburger is pretty good. It's expensive though.

PS: Also, the CRIE nearby has a perfect spot to eat and relax after the...