Ancienne Abbaye de Villers

The ruins of this Cistercian abbey display remarkable Gothic and Romanesque architectural elements, including the imposing church nave, chapter house, and monastery buildings that once housed over 100 monks in their medieval heyday.

Founded in 1146 by Cistercian monks from Clairvaux, this abbey prospered under the protection of the Dukes of Brabant until its dissolution during the French Revolution in the late 18th century.

This site represents one of Belgium's most important examples of medieval monastic architecture, featuring thematic gardens that demonstrate historical horticultural and medicinal practices of the Cistercian order.

The abbey opens daily from 10:00-17:00 in winter and 10:00-18:00 in summer, with admission fees required and guided tours available by reservation for comprehensive exploration of the ruins.

The abbey features the Thyle River channeled through vaulted passages for over 270 meters, an engineering marvel that powered mills and supplied water to gardens and fishponds during medieval times.

Location: Villers-la-Ville

Fee: Yes

Website: https://www.villers.be/

Address: Rue de l'Abbaye 55, 1495 Villers-la-Ville, Belgium 1495 Villers-la-Ville

Opening Hours: November–March 10:00–17:00; April–October 10:00–18:00; December 24 off; December 25 off; December 31 off; January 1 off

Phone: +3271880980

Website: https://villers.be

GPS coordinates: 50.59069,4.52974

Latest update: August 28, 2025 21:14