Clervaux Abbey, Benedictine monastery in Clervaux, Luxembourg
Clervaux Abbey is a Benedictine monastery featuring Romanesque Revival architecture that rises above the town with symmetrical towers and arched windows. The building displays thick limestone walls and internal cloisters that connect the church, living quarters, and community spaces.
French Benedictine monks founded the abbey in 1908 after fleeing anti-clerical laws in their homeland, constructing the buildings between 1909 and 1910. During World War II, German forces occupied the site in 1941 and later returned it to the community in 1945.
The monastery remains an active religious community where monks follow daily routines of prayer and work rooted in centuries of tradition. Visitors experience the spiritual life firsthand through participation in services featuring traditional chant and liturgical practices.
The monastery is generally open to visitors most days, though it is wise to confirm opening times before arriving. The monks' daily schedule influences when visits are possible, so plan your visit to respect their prayer times and maintain quiet behavior throughout.
The monastery holds an extensive collection of rare books and manuscripts that reveal the daily lives and scholarly work of monks across generations. Few visitors realize how much of the community's spiritual and intellectual heritage is preserved within the library walls.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
