Val-Dieu Abbey
Cistercian·Belgium·Active lay community·13th century
Val-Dieu Abbey is a former Cistercian monastery located in the Berwinne valley of Belgium. Founded in 1216, it has a history marked by destruction and rebuilding due to various wars, most notably the Eighty Years' War and the French Revolution. After its dissolution, the abbey was re-established and currently houses a small lay community associated with the Cistercian Order.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1216 by monks from Hocht Abbey.
- ›The original church was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout its history.
- ›Dissolved during the French Revolution, but resettled in 1844.
- ›The abbey was closed in 2001, with a lay community taking residence in 2002.
- ›A brewery, Brasserie de L'Abbaye du Val-Dieu, was established in the abbey farm in 1997.
Brewery Producing Abbey Beers
Vallis Dei
Jean Dubois
War of the Limburg Succession, Eighty Years' War, French Revolution
About Val-Dieu Abbey
Val-Dieu Abbey, historically known as Vallis Dei, is a former Cistercian monastery situated in the scenic Berwinne valley near Aubel in Belgium's Pays de Herve region. Its foundation dates back to 1216 when a small contingent of monks from Hocht Abbey established a settlement in this previously uninhabited area, which then straddled the border between the Duchy of Limburg and the county of Dalhem.
History and Resilience
The abbey's existence has been punctuated by significant destruction and subsequent rebuilding. The original church met its end in 1287 during the War of the Limburg Succession. Further devastation occurred in 1574 during the Eighty Years' War, and again in 1683 by the forces of Louis XIV. Despite these tribulations, the abbey experienced a period of flourishing under Abbot Jean Dubois from 1711 to 1749. However, the French Revolution brought about its dissolution, leading to the church's fourth destruction. The remaining structures lay vacant until 1844, when the last surviving monk from before the Revolution, accompanied by four monks from Bornem Abbey, re-established a monastic presence.
Contemporary Life
Val-Dieu Abbey ceased to house a monastic community in 2001 when its final three monks departed. Since January 1, 2002, the site has been home to a small lay community led by rector Jean-Pierre Schenkelaars. This community operates under the oversight of regional ecclesiastical authorities and maintains an association with the Cistercian Order, continuing a long spiritual heritage at the site.
Abbey Brewery
In a testament to preserving tradition and fostering economic activity, the Brasserie de l'Abbaye du Val-Dieu was established in the abbey's farm buildings in 1997. This brewery continues the legacy of the former monks by crafting a variety of abbey beers, including Belgian blonde, brune, triple, and grand cru styles, allowing visitors and patrons to experience a taste of Val-Dieu's enduring spirit.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Val-Dieu Abbey founded?
Val-Dieu Abbey was founded in 1216. A small group of monks from Hocht Abbey settled in the Berwinne valley to establish their new monastery.
What is the religious tradition of Val-Dieu Abbey?
Val-Dieu Abbey is a former Cistercian monastery. Although it was dissolved during the French Revolution, a lay community now resides there in association with the Cistercian Order.
What has been the history of Val-Dieu Abbey's church?
The abbey's church has a turbulent history, having been destroyed and rebuilt four times. It was damaged during the War of the Limburg Succession, the Eighty Years' War, by the armies of Louis XIV, and finally during the French Revolution.
Is Val-Dieu Abbey still an active monastery?
The last monks left Val-Dieu Abbey in 2001. Since January 1, 2002, a small lay community has lived there, overseen by regional ecclesiastical authorities and associated with the Cistercian Order.
Does Val-Dieu Abbey produce any products?
Yes, the Brasserie de l'Abbaye du Val-Dieu was established in the abbey farm in 1997. This brewery produces a range of abbey beers in the tradition of the former monks.
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