Hidden in the heart of theIxelles district lies a sanctuary of serenity far fromthe hustle and bustle of the city: the Gardens of the Abbey of La Cambre. Founded in the 13th century by a Cistercian community, this former monastery now reveals one of Brussels’ most spectacular historic gardens. A true five-hectare landscaped gem, the park is organized around successive terraces that were originally “French-style” before adopting a Neo-Renaissance style nearly a century ago. Between its monumental Louis XIV staircases and its soothing banks fed by the Maelbeek, set out to discover this Brussels gem.
The Abbey of La Cambre: eight centuries of Cistercian history in Brussels
The history of these gardens dates back to 1201, when the noblewoman Gisèle, a Benedictine nun from Brussels, founded this monastery. For many centuries,the Abbey of La Cambre served as a spiritual and intellectual center, weathering wars and pillaging thanks to the protection of the Dukes of Brabant. Today, the estate presents a fascinating hybrid architectural ensemble, ranging from its 14th-century Gothic church, Notre-Dame de la Cambre, to its abbey palace, which was remodeled in the 18th century.
The Abbey’s location was carefully chosen for its proximity to the source of the Maelbeek by Cistercian nuns seeking seclusion and self-sufficiency. An ideal topographical choice for the creation of the first gardens necessary for the community’s life. Now home toENSAV, the National Higher School of Visual Arts, the site has evolved while preserving its distinctive character, offering Brussels residents a unique heritage in the heart of the city.
The green lung of Ixelles: the blossoming of a 5-hectare oasis
A true feat of landscape design, the Gardens of the Abbaye de la Cambre now stretch across five hectares of serenity. Landscaped in the “French style ” around 1720, these green spaces later attained their current splendor thanks to the work of landscape architect Jules Buyssens in 1927, who structured the valley into five successive terraces in the Neo-Renaissance style. Access to the gardens is marked by a monumental double staircase in the Louis XIV style, which leads visitors on a stroll through the entire site.
This picture-perfect setting now lives in harmony with the seasons and the students, where the tree-lined slopes offer cool respite and a welcoming habitat for a multitude of bird species. A prime spot for an impromptu picnic, reading in the sun, or a workout in the fresh air, the Gardens of the Abbaye de la Cambre promise a rejuvenating escape, just a few steps away from the urban hustle and bustle.
📍La Cambre Abbey, 1000 Ixelles
