Vlierbeek Abbey Church

Vlierbeek Abbey is a former Benedictine abbey to the north-east of Leuven in Belgium. On the abbey site in 1127 a priory was founded by Affligem Abbey, to whom Godfrey I of Louvain had given the land on the Vlierbeek two years previously. In 1163 or 1165 the priory was elevated to the status of an abbey. The Benedictines cultivated the surrounding land, and played a great role in the spiritual and intellectual development of the area. Over the next few centuries they worked almost constantly on the abbey complex, having often to repair or rebuild what had been destroyed by fire or conflict.

In 1170 a stone church in Romanesque style replaced the first church, which was made of clay.

In 1572 the abbey was burnt down by the troops of William of Orange. The reconstruction of the abbey was spread over two periods. The first lasted from 1642 to c. 1730. The second, under the direction of Laurent-Benoît Dewez, lasted from 1776 to 1796.

During the occupation by the French Revolutionary army the abbey, like all other monasteries, was suppressed in 1796, and the monks were expelled. The buildings and contents were sold off in 1798. Jan Antoon de Becker of Louvain, brother of one of the monks, became the new owner. In 1801 the abbot and some of the monks returned, but a full revival of the community did not succeed, and the last monk of Vlierbeek died in 1838.

The Neo-classical abbey church was designed by the well-known architect Laurent-Benoît Dewez (1731-1812). The central part is octagonal and is crowned by a cupola. The openings have various geometric forms such as semi-circle or a trapezium. The interior is severe and light. The monks' choir terminates in a square tower with an octagonal skylight.

Every weekend a mass is celebrated in the church. Apart from this the church is accessible to visitors, and the abbot's lodgings are accessible on special occasions. The other buildings are private property.

Address

Abdij Vlierbeek 2, Leuven, Belgium

Details

Founded: 18th century
Category: Religious sites in Belgium