Aulne Abbey
Christian·Belgium·Ruins, Historic Monument, Museum·7th century
Aulne Abbey was a significant Cistercian monastery located in the Bishopric of Liège, modern-day Belgium. Originally founded as a Benedictine house in 656, it later adopted the Cistercian rule, flourishing for centuries until its destruction by French revolutionary troops in 1794. Today, its ruins are a Walloon Heritage Site, preserved as a historic monument.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 656 as a Benedictine monastery by Landelinus.
- ›Became a Cistercian monastery in 1147 under the influence of Henry of Leyen, Bishop of LIège.
- ›The monks constructed an extensive irrigation system and six fish ponds.
- ›The abbey church construction began in 1214.
- ›Destroyed by French revolutionary troops in 1794, with its library of 40,000 books and 5,000 manuscripts lost.
- ›Acquired by the Walloon Region of Belgium in 2006 as a historic monument.
Extensive Irrigation System, Six Fish Ponds, Ruins of Abbey Church, Interpretive Centre, On-Site Cafe, Revived Brewery
Abbaye D'Aulne
Landelinus, Henry of Leyen, Franco De Morvaux, Gilles De Beaumont, Simon of Aulne, Pope Innocent Iii
Founded As A Benedictine Monastery, Replaced By Secular Clerics, Adopted Rule of St. Augustine, Became Cistercian Monastery, Construction of Abbey Church Began, Burned By French Revolutionary Troops, Last Monk Died, Acquired By Walloon Region
About Aulne Abbey
Aulne Abbey: A Historical Monastic Site
Aulne Abbey (French: Abbaye d'Aulne) stands as a significant historical monastic site located in modern-day Belgium, between Thuin and Landelies on the banks of the river Sambre. Its origins trace back to 656 CE when it was established as a Benedictine monastery by Landelinus, the abbot of Crespin Abbey. Over the centuries, the monastic community underwent changes, adopting the Rule of St. Augustine before becoming a Cistercian monastery in 1147 through the intervention of Henry of Leyen, Bishop of Liège. Under the Cistercians, Aulne Abbey flourished, with notable constructions including an extensive irrigation system and six ponds for fish cultivation, alongside the commencement of building the abbey church in 1214.
History and Destruction
The abbey's prosperity was tragically cut short in 1794 when French revolutionary troops burned it, shortly after it had been rebuilt on a larger scale. The extensive library, which housed 40,000 books and 5,000 manuscripts, was also lost in this event. The last monk associated with Aulne Abbey died in 1859, after which the monastery was abandoned, and the abbot's residence was repurposed as a hospice.
Notable Figures and Present Day
Among the figures associated with Aulne Abbey is Simon of Aulne, a lay-brother and mystic who experienced visions and was summoned to Rome by Pope Innocent III in 1215 to advise during the Fourth Lateran Council. Although never formally canonized, he has been venerated for centuries. In 2006, the Walloon Region of Belgium acquired the site, recognizing its importance as a historic monument. Today, visitors can explore the ruins, which are a Walloon Heritage Site, and find amenities such as an on-site cafe and an interpretive centre. The brewery that was once part of the abbey was revived in 1950, continuing a tradition of production on the historic grounds.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Aulne Abbey founded?
Aulne Abbey was originally founded in 656 as a Benedictine monastery. It later transitioned to Cistercian monks in 1147.
What happened to Aulne Abbey?
The abbey was burned by French revolutionary troops in 1794, leading to its abandonment. Today, its ruins are a preserved historic monument.
Is Aulne Abbey still active as a monastery?
The last monk died in 1859, and the monastery was abandoned. While an on-site brewery was revived in 1950, it does not house an active monastic community today.
What is notable about Simon of Aulne?
Simon of Aulne was a lay-brother at the Cistercian monastery who experienced visions and was summoned by Pope Innocent III for advice at the Fourth Lateran Council in 1215. He is venerated for centuries, with his commemoration on November 6.
What can visitors see at Aulne Abbey today?
Visitors can explore the ruins of the abbey, which are a Walloon Heritage Site. There is also an onsite cafe and an interpretive centre.
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