La Ramée Abbey, Cistercian abbey in Jauchelette, Belgium
La Ramée Abbey is a Cistercian monastery in Ramillies built with stone structures that include a monumental barn recognized as Belgium's largest agricultural building. The complex features multiple rooms and spaces that developed over centuries to serve the religious community.
The monastery was founded in 1216 and served as a Cistercian abbey for nearly 800 years until the last religious community left in 1997. This long history reflects the site's importance to monastic life in the region.
The abbey grounds contain a fruiticum garden housing more than 350 plant species, contributing to biodiversity preservation efforts in the region.
The site is located in Ramillies and can be reached via Rue de l'Abbaye, though access to the buildings may vary depending on events or special arrangements. It is best to check in advance whether the grounds are open, as they are frequently used for private functions.
The grounds feature an extensive water system with different elements reflecting monastic engineering skill, along with a small chapel built into a grotto. The cemetery of the former convent community remains on site, telling the story of women's religious presence in this location.
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