Val-Saint-Lambert Abbey, Cistercian abbey in Seraing, Belgium
Val-Saint-Lambert is an abbey on the right bank of the Meuse River in Seraing that reaches visitors through a monumental 17th-century gateway. The grounds contain both the preserved monastic buildings and industrial structures that grew alongside them over the centuries.
The abbey was founded in 1187 and flourished as a monastic community until the French Revolution brought expulsion in 1796. Within years it transformed into a glassworks that continues to operate on the grounds.
The site carries its identity as a glassmaking center, where the craft tradition remains visible in the daily operations. Visitors can see how monastic spaces blend with production areas that still function today.
Entry happens through the Louis XIV gateway into a large enclosed area with walking paths and designated visitor zones. Wear sturdy shoes as the grounds feature cobblestones and uneven surfaces throughout.
The original 13th-century Chapter House still stands and contrasts sharply with modern glass furnaces operating nearby. This juxtaposition shows how the same location has served entirely different purposes across the centuries.
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