Aldeneik Abbey, Benedictine abbey in Maaseik, Belgium
Aldeneik Abbey is a former monastic complex near the Meuse River with a restored parish church dedicated to Saint Anne in the Aldeneik district. The site preserves medieval textiles, religious objects, and ancient manuscripts, displayed mainly in the crypt of Saint Catherine's Church in Maaseik.
The abbey was founded in 728 by sisters Harlindis and Relindis as a Benedictine convent. In 952 it transformed into a chapter of twelve canons, marking a major change in its religious community.
The abbey treasury, now housed in Saint Catherine's Church, reflects the spiritual devotion of the medieval community. The precious objects show how important this religious center was for worship and faith in the region.
The main collections are accessed through Saint Catherine's Church in Maaseik, where the key objects are displayed in the crypt. You should allow time to carefully examine the detailed labels and the craftsmanship of the medieval pieces.
The collection holds Anglo-Saxon liturgical embroideries from around 850 with animal motifs in gold and silk on the vestment of Saints Harlindis and Relindis. These works represent a remarkable example of early medieval craftsmanship from a period when such detailed pieces rarely survived.
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