Orval Abbey, Trappist monastery in Florenville, Belgium.
Orval Abbey is a Trappist monastery situated within the Ardennes forest near the Belgian-French border, combining medieval ruins with modern structures. The complex integrates historical remains with contemporary buildings that serve the daily needs of the monastic community.
Italian monks founded the monastery in 1070, and it was severely damaged during the French Revolution in 1793. Its reconstruction in the 20th century established the layout and structures visitors see today.
The monastery produces Orval beer and cheese using methods passed down through generations of monks, connecting visitors to living Trappist traditions. These products remain central to daily life within the community and are sold to support the monks' work.
The site is accessible daily, with opening hours varying between seasons: 10:30 to 17:30 in winter and 9:30 to 18:30 in summer. A museum and medieval ruins are available to explore, so wear sturdy shoes and allow time to wander through the grounds comfortably.
The monastery's emblem shows a fish holding a ring, referencing a legend about Countess Matilda recovering her lost wedding ring from a trout. This ancient tale remains an important symbol of the place's spiritual identity and appears throughout the grounds.
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