Abbatial Basilica of Our Lady of Orval
Belgium·Villers-devant-Orval
The Abbatial Basilica of Our Lady of Orval is a historic Cistercian monastery located in Belgium, renowned for its deep spiritual life, significant historical events, and local artisanal products. Originally founded in the 12th century, the site has undergone multiple destructions and rebuildings, most recently resuming monastic life in the 20th century. It is also celebrated for its Trappist beer and cheese, continuing a tradition that supports the abbey.
Key Facts
- ›The site has evidence of occupation dating back to the Merovingian period, with a chapel existing by the 10th century.
- ›Benedictine monks first settled at Orval around 1070, later replaced by Canons Regular who completed the first abbey church, consecrated in 1124.
- ›In 1132, Cistercian monks from Trois-Fontaines Abbey arrived, forming the core of the monastic community that would endure for centuries.
- ›The monastery was destroyed by fire around 1252, with rebuilding taking approximately 100 years.
- ›During the Thirty Years' War in 1637, the abbey was pillaged and burned by French mercenaries.
- ›The current monastic buildings were constructed between 1926 and 1948, after the land and ruins were acquired and donated back to the Cistercian order.
Cistercian, Trappist, Benedictine, Canons Regular
About Abbatial Basilica of Our Lady of Orval
Orval Abbey
The Abbatial Basilica of Our Lady of Orval (Abbaye Notre-Dame d'Orval) is a historic Cistercian monastery situated in the Gaume region of Belgium, within Villers-devant-Orval, part of Florenville.
History and Foundation
The site's history is deep, with evidence of occupation dating back to the Merovingian period and a chapel existing by the 10th century. Around 1070, Benedictine monks settled here, initiating construction of a church and monastery. After their departure, a community of Canons Regular completed the abbey church, which was consecrated on September 30, 1124. In 1132, Cistercian monks from Trois-Fontaines Abbey arrived, and the two groups merged into a single Cistercian community.
The monastery faced significant destruction and rebuilding throughout its history. It was destroyed by fire around 1252, with reconstruction taking about a century. During the 15th and 16th centuries, wars impacted the abbey, and in 1637, during the Thirty Years' War, it was pillaged and burned by French mercenaries. In the 17th century, the abbey converted to the Trappist branch of the Cistercian order but reverted to the main order around 1785. A devastating blow came in 1793 during the French Revolution, when French forces completely burned down the abbey and dispersed the community.
Second Foundation and Modern Era
In 1887, the land and ruins were acquired by the Harenne family, who later donated them to the Cistercian order in 1926, enabling the resumption of monastic life. Between 1926 and 1948, a new monastery was constructed under the direction of Trappist monk Marie-Albert van der Cruyssen, and Orval regained its abbey status in 1936. The new church was consecrated on September 8, 1948. The medieval tradition of brewing beer at the abbey was revived in 1931 to fund the rebuilding. The ruins of the medieval buildings are preserved and accessible for visitors.
Legend of Orval
A well-known legend explains the abbey's name and coat of arms. It recounts how Mathilda of Tuscany, a visitor, lost her wedding ring in a spring. In her distress, she prayed, and a trout emerged from the water with the ring in its mouth. Overjoyed, she declared the place a "Val d'Or" (Golden Valley), from which "Orval" is derived, and provided funds for the monastery's foundation. The spring continues to supply water to the monastery and its brewery.
Notable Products
Orval Abbey is widely recognized for its local production of the Trappist beer Orval, a popular and distinctive brew, and a specific cheese, both of which contribute to the abbey's sustainability and legacy.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the legend behind the name Orval?
The name "Orval" is said to derive from a legend involving Mathilda of Tuscany. While visiting the site, she lost her wedding ring in a spring. Upon praying for its return, a trout appeared with the ring in its mouth, leading her to exclaim it was a "Val d'Or" (Golden Valley).
When was Orval Abbey first founded?
Orval Abbey was first founded by Cistercian monks in 1132, arriving from Trois-Fontaines Abbey. Before them, Benedictine monks and then Canons Regular had occupied the site.
What is Orval Abbey known for besides its religious significance?
The abbey is well-known for its local production of Trappist beer, named Orval, and a specific type of cheese. The brewing tradition was revived in 1931 to support the abbey's rebuilding efforts.
Has Orval Abbey always been a Cistercian monastery?
No, initially Benedictine monks settled at the site, followed by Canons Regular. The Cistercians arrived in 1132. The abbey later converted to the Trappist branch of the Cistercian order in the 17th century before reverting to the main order around 1785.
What historical events led to the destruction of Orval Abbey?
The abbey has suffered destruction multiple times. It was ravaged by fire around 1252 and pillaged and burned by French mercenaries in 1637 during the Thirty Years' War. In 1793, during the French Revolution, French forces completely burned down the abbey. The current structures are from a 20th-century reconstruction.
Related Basilicas
Basilica of Our Lady of Hanswijk
The Basilica of Our Lady of Hanswijk, located in Mechelen, Belgium, is a significant Roman Catholic basilica and a renowned pilgrimage site. It houses a historic statue of Our Lady, venerated following a reported miracle. The basilica is notable for its Italian-style facade, cupola designed by Lucas Faydherbe, and richly decorated Baroque interior.
Abbatial Basilica of Our Lady of Good Hope, Vellereille-Les-Brayeux
The Abbatial Basilica of Our Lady of Good Hope, located in Vellereille-les-Brayeux, Belgium, was a significant Premonstratensian abbey founded in 1130. It played a role in religious conversions and housed important relics, including those of Saint Frederick of Hallum. Though suppressed during the French Revolution, its church continued to be a center of veneration, particularly for the statue of Our Lady of Good Hope.
Abbatial Basilica of Our Lady of Val-Dieu
The Abbatial Basilica of Our Lady of Val-Dieu, historically known as Val-Dieu Abbey, is a former Cistercian monastery located in the Berwinne valley near Aubel, Belgium. Founded in 1216, the abbey has endured multiple destructions and rebuildings throughout its history, most notably during various wars. Despite its dissolution during the French Revolution and subsequent closures, it has seen periods of revival and now houses a lay community and a functioning abbey brewery.