In the heart of the sublime Molignée Valley,Maredsous Abbey stands as an enchanted retreat where time seems to have stood still. Built in the 19th century by Benedictine monks, this Neo-Gothic masterpiece captivates with its thousand-year history and its abbey church. More than just an architectural gem, the estate invites you to completely unwind, with picturesque hikes, the secrets of the art workshops, and spiritual retreats. To round out the experience, culinary traditions come into play with the abbey’s famous beers, gourmet cheeses, and artisanal spirits. An ideal getaway, just 1.5 hours from the capital.
Maredsous Abbey: the thousand-year saga of a monastic giant
AlthoughMaredsous Abbey was founded in 1872, its legacy is rooted in a thousand-year-old Benedictine tradition. Following the upheaval of the French Revolution, which saw the widespread destruction of monasteries in Belgium, Maredsous was born out of a profound spirit of renewal. Today, the community there carries on this ancestral way of life while remaining firmly rooted in the modern world, balancing religious obligations with creativity and education.
To embody this rebirth, the monks commissioned a neo-Gothic gem that blends perfectly with the wooded landscape of the Molignée Valley. Designed by Baron Jean-Baptiste Béthune, the abbey church— elevated to the status of a basilica in 1926—impresses with its 75-meter-long nave. Subtly transformed in the 1950s, this immense stone complex, which houses a cloister and a vast library, exudes a sense of absolute serenity, inviting visitors to meditate.
A multi-sensory getaway: between untamed nature and abbey delicacies
Beyond its stone walls, the estate opens onto an exceptional green setting. Lovers of the great outdoors can enjoy hiking along marked trails in the Molignée Valley. After taking in the fresh air, the exploration continues atthe ceramics workshop. Founded in 1922, this center of craftsmanship owes its international renown to Antonio Lampecco and then to his son Thierry, who continues this unique tradition today.
The sensory journey culminates in the site’s culinary traditions. At the local microbrewery, the brewers craft iconic beers: the honey-infused Blond, the Bruin, the complex Tripel, and the rare Extra, available only on tap. To accompany these nectars, the monks have been aging a creamy abbey cheese since 1952, deep within their ancient fruit cellars. Finally, the Abbey Distillery offers certified organic spirits, made from a rigorous selection of medicinal plants. A complete escape for the taste buds and the mind.
📍11 Rue de Maredsous, 5537 Anhée
