Averbode Abbey, Norbertine monastery in Scherpenheuvel-Zichem, Belgium.
Averbode Abbey is a Norbertine monastery in Scherpenheuvel-Zichem featuring a 14th-century gatehouse with an opening for food distribution. The complex centers on a courtyard with a reflecting pool that defines the spatial layout of the whole site.
The monastery was founded in 1134 by Count Arnold II of Loon as a community where men and women lived together in religious practice. This dual structure was unusual for its time and shaped the abbey's early development.
The church displays finely carved wooden choir stalls from the 17th and 18th centuries that visitors can observe during their visit. These artworks shape the interior and show the craftsmanship of earlier generations.
Visits are offered in the afternoon and last about two hours to explore the main areas of the monastery. It is wise to book ahead and wear comfortable shoes, as the visit covers the grounds and several buildings.
The abbey's original altarpiece returned in 2023 after 150 years at the MAS museum back to its intended location. This return was part of a special project to restore Flemish artworks to their original settings.
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