Our Lady of Vivier Abbey, Medieval Cistercian abbey in Marche-les-Dames, Belgium
Our Lady of Vivier Abbey is a Cistercian monastery in Marche-les-Dames with stone buildings set across landscaped grounds and gardens. The complex sits near dense forests in the Meuse Valley and comprises various monastic structures that reflect different periods of construction.
The abbey was founded in the 12th century by Cistercian nuns and developed over centuries into an important religious center. In 2009 it was officially recognized as an exceptional heritage property of Wallonia.
The abbey today remains home to an active religious community that welcomes visitors to experience monastic daily life through guided tours. You can observe how the sisters structure their time between prayer, work, and caring for the grounds.
The grounds are accessible on foot with well-marked paths suited to different walking abilities, from easy garden routes to natural hiking trails. The best time to visit is typically in warmer months when the gardens are in full bloom and outdoor walking is most comfortable.
The abbey sits within an extensive Natura 2000 protected reserve covering hundreds of hectares of forest that is open to walkers. This forest reserve transforms a visit into both a spiritual and natural experience rather than just a tour of religious buildings.
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