Middelburg Abbey

Middelburg Abbey is a former monastery in Middelburg with four tall towers, extensive cloisters, and a central square surrounded by medieval buildings and stone walls. The complex combines Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles with spacious courtyards that reveal how religious community members moved through daily life.

The monastery was founded in 1123 when Premonstratensian canons from Antwerp established their community on the site of a former Carolingian stronghold. It grew into one of the region's major religious centers and experienced transformations that shaped its current form.

The Zeeuws Museum housed here displays regional objects and exhibitions that reflect daily life and crafts traditions of the Zeeland area. The collection offers insight into how people worked and lived in this region across different time periods.

The Lange Jan tower is open to visitors daily and offers a climb with many steps and a view over the city. The complex is easy to reach on foot and well integrated into the town center, where you will find cafes and shops nearby.

Today the site hosts multiple institutions including government offices, university facilities, and two Protestant churches known as Abbey Churches. This mixed use shows how historical places continue to serve communities in new ways while preserving their physical structures.

Location: Middelburg

Inception: 1123

GPS coordinates: 51.50028,3.61556

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:41