Drongen Abbey
Christian·Belgium·Active retreat center and retirement home·7th century
Drongen Abbey, also known as the Old Abbey, is a historic monastic complex located in Drongen, part of Ghent, Belgium. Originally founded in the 7th century and later becoming a Premonstratensian abbey in the 12th century, it has undergone periods of destruction and rebuilding. Since 1837, the premises have been owned by the Jesuits, who transformed it into a retreat center and retirement home. The entire property, including its garden, was declared a protected monument in 1998.
Key Facts
- ›The abbey's origins are linked to legends of a 7th-century foundation by Basinus or Saint Amandus.
- ›It became a Premonstratensian abbey in 1138 after moving from Salegem.
- ›The abbey was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times due to invasions and revolutions.
- ›Since 1837, Drongen Abbey has been owned and operated by the Jesuits.
- ›The octagonal abbey church, known as St. Gerolf's Church, was rebuilt in 1734 and now serves as the local parish church.
- ›The property was declared a protected monument in 1998.
Octagonal Abbey Church, Garden, Protected Monument
Old Abbey, Drongen, Abdij Van Drongen, Oude Abdij Van Drongen
Basinus, Saint Amandus, Baldwin Ii, Count of Flanders, Iwein, Count of Aalst, William the Silent, Lieven Bauwens
Destruction By Normans, Rebuilding Under Baldwin Ii, Acceptance of Premonstratensian Rules, Suffered From Iconoclasts, Driven Out By Calvinists, Suppressed and Sold During French Revolution, Purchase By Jesuits, Training of Novices Ceased
About Drongen Abbey
Drongen Abbey, also referred to as the Old Abbey of Drongen, is a significant monastic complex situated on the banks of the River Leie in Drongen, a district of Ghent in East Flanders, Belgium. Its history spans over a millennium, marked by periods of flourishing religious life, destruction, and eventual transformation.
History and Development
The origins of Drongen Abbey are steeped in legend, with stories attributing its foundation in the 7th century to either a king named Basinus or Saint Amandus, who was also instrumental in establishing other abbeys in Ghent. Initially occupied by secular canons, the abbey faced destruction by the Normans in 853 but was subsequently rebuilt. In 1136, a Premonstratensian abbey was founded at Salegem and relocated to Drongen two years later, with the canons adopting the Premonstratensian rule.
The abbey endured significant challenges throughout its history. It suffered damage during the Iconoclast movement in 1566 and was abandoned by its religious community in 1578 during the Ghent Republic, with its possessions temporarily falling into the hands of William the Silent. The abbey church was rebuilt in 1638, followed by the monastic buildings between 1638 and 1698, largely establishing its present form. A further disruption occurred in 1796 during the French Revolution, when the fathers were expelled, the abbey suppressed, and its property sold. For a period, it housed a cotton mill and a dyeworks.
Jesuit Era and Modern Status
In 1836, the Jesuits acquired part of the abbey buildings for their novices, eventually purchasing the entire property by 1848. While the novitiate training ceased in 1968 due to a decline in vocations, the abbey continued its mission as a center for meditations and retreats for individuals and groups. It also became a residence for older Jesuits, functioning as a Jesuit retirement home. The octagonal abbey church, rebuilt in 1734 and known as St. Gerolf's Church, now serves as the local parish church for the center of Drongen. In recognition of its historical and architectural importance, the entire property, including its garden, was declared a protected monument in 1998.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Drongen Abbey founded?
Legends point to a foundation in the 7th century, with the first occupants being secular canons. It officially became a Premonstratensian abbey in 1138.
What religious order currently occupies Drongen Abbey?
Since 1837, the premises have belonged to the Jesuits. They use the site as a retreat center and retirement home for older Jesuits.
Has the abbey always been in its current location?
No, in 1136 a Premonstratensian abbey was founded at Salegem. Two years later, in 1138, it was moved to the Drongen site.
What historical events have impacted Drongen Abbey?
The abbey has suffered destruction from Norman invasions in 853, the Iconoclasts in 1566, and the Calvinists in 1578. It was also suppressed and sold during the French Revolution in 1796.
What is the architectural significance of the abbey church?
The octagonal abbey church, known as St. Gerolf's Church, was rebuilt in white stone with a small cupola in 1734 after a fire. It currently serves as the parish church for the center of Drongen.
Is Drongen Abbey a protected site?
Yes, in 1998 the entire property, including the garden, was declared a protected monument.
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