Tongerlo Abbey, Westerlo, Belgium

Tongerlo Abbey was founded in 1128 by Giselbert of Kasterlee, who not only gave the land, but also himself became a lay brother in the new community. The first monks were sent from St. Michael's Abbey, Antwerp.

From small beginnings the abbey became influential in the district called Campine, now in north-east Belgium and the south of the Netherlands, then a wild area. The bishops of Cambrai, the chapters of Liège and Maastricht, and several landowners entrusted the charge of parishes, with the right of patronage, to the abbey. In time the abbey had to provide priests for some forty parishes in these parts.

With the erection of new dioceses (1559–60) in Belgium and the Netherlands, heavy burdens were cast on the abbey, for not only had it to provide funds for the new diocese of 's-Hertogenbosch, but the new bishop was put at its head as abbot. This state of affairs lasted until 1590, when, to obtain its independence, the abbey had to give up much property in support of the new diocese. The abbey was a centre of education. It possessed one of the largest libraries, and was able to take up the work of the Bollandists.

The rise of Calvinism in the Netherlands caused conflict. Three monks of Tongerlo became Catholic martyrs: Arnold Vessem and Hendrik Bosch in 1557, and Peter Janssens in 1572. In the seventeenth century Francis Wichmans of the abbey rallied local Catholics.

The abbey's property was confiscated and sold by the French occupying forces in 1796, but in 1840 was bought back under its post-revolutionary re-founder, Peter Hubert Evermode Backx.

In 1899, under abbot Thomas Louis Heylen, a filiation was made to Manchester as Corpus Christi Priory.

The abbey is also the site of a Leonardo da Vinci Museum, which contains a 16th-century copy on canvas of Leonardo's Last Supper, in approximately original size. The copy reveals many details that are no longer visible in the original fresco due to deterioration.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Vania Lundina Arman (4 years ago)
The Abbey is a serene place with a very beautiful scenery. I spent an afternoon there and the view was even more beautiful when the sun was setting. I also participated in a guided visit to the Da Vinci Museum that keeps the oldest replica of The Last Supper of Leonardo da Vinci. The priest who guided the visit gave a really engaging explanation about the painting. Would love to come back again.

Saprativ Mondal (5 years ago)
Loved this abbey. The serene environment enchanted me. This place contains a rare treasure. There's a copy of the famous "The Last Supper". But they don't allow any visitor to photograph it. There's a small documentary movie show is also available. There's a big store selling gifts, wines and memorabilia. There's something for everyone in the store. Visit the place to calm down your mind. Visit this place of you seek peace.

Anjili Ayurveda (6 years ago)
The peace and quiet..made me return to whats inportant in our lives..

Cedric Stevens (6 years ago)
Nice place to go on a day trip. €3 for the Da Vinci replica of the Last Supper is very reasonable. Audio explanation both in Dutch as well as English. We walked around the Abbey. Very tranquil surroundings.

Bart Van de keere (6 years ago)
Beautiful place to visit ,relax and sereen.... Nice garden...

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