Affligem, municipality in Flemish Brabant, Belgium
Affligem is a small municipality in Flemish Brabant, located about 12 miles west of Brussels, comprising several villages. The area features old stone churches, simple brick buildings, and quiet streets designed for walking and cycling.
The Benedictine Abbey of Affligem was founded in 1074 and became one of Belgium's oldest monasteries, shaping regional history. The monks established a brewery whose name remains known worldwide, preserving the continuity of this medieval tradition.
The name Affligem comes from the Benedictine monastery that shaped the place's identity. The brewery bearing this name continues to link monastic heritage with local pride, visible in how residents and visitors connect to the town's traditions.
The area is easy to explore on foot and by bicycle, as streets are designed for these modes of travel. Proximity to Brussels and access to open fields and forests make it accessible for day trips and leisurely walks.
The Affligem brewery dates back to 1074, founded alongside the monastery itself, yet today the beer is actually brewed by the Heineken company in a nearby village called Opwijk. This shift in production location is often overlooked despite the brand's global popularity.
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