Villers-la-Ville Abbey, a site not to be missed 30km from Brussels

Updated on August 4, 2022 by pierre

If you are passionate about history and nature, don't miss the 900 years of history The Abbey of Villers-la-Ville. It is a former Cistercian Abbey located in the very heart of Walloon Brabant. The site is worth the detour, it is not for nothing that 160.000 visitors come here every year. On the program of your visit, no less than 30 hectares to cover. Cross no less than 5 majestic gardens and a meditative path.

If the Abbey is no longer entirely complete, it is totally worth the detour Don't be surprised if you sometimes hear "Abbey of Villers-en-Brabant", it is the same abbey as the one called: "abbey of Villers la Ville »

You will be surprised and seduced by the magnificent gardens. It is not for nothing that the abbey of Villers is seen starred by Michelin Guide. Also, it is a classified place " Exceptional heritage of Wallonia“. Through its 850 years of history which constitute its passage from the Middle Ages to the present day, green spaces have been developed. You will cross no less than 5 medicinal gardens, the Abbot's Garden, the Perfume Garden, the time line of old roses, Fruit Garden.

The history of the Abbey of Villers la Ville

It is in the valley of the Thyle, in 1146, that the Abbey was founded in the valley of the Thyle. Bernard de Clairvaux originally in barrels. Very early on, it was protected by the Dukes of Brabant. This does not mean that the latter has experienced calm periods as well as troubled ones. On several occasions the monks would have even left the place because they did not feel safe. It was in the 13th century that the Abbey saw its hour of glory.  After the French Revolution, the abbey was sold as national property because the monastic community had to disperse. Having become an important place to visit, the site began to deteriorate. In 1892, the Belgian State has repossessed the premises to begin a major restoration project.

Today, it is an ASBL that organizes venues, theatrical performances, exhibitions and other events.

The trail of the Abbey of Villers la ville: Meditative Trail

Don't miss the new space along the path which begins at the foot of the church and goes up to the Saint-Bernard chapel. This is dotted with fragrant flowerbeds. You have understood why this course is called Le Scents Garden, also called un Meditative trail. During your journey, you will come across 8 panels. Each of them invites you to explore “an attitude of mindfulness”. This means, a patient attitude, acceptance, non-judgment, and other values ​​such as: gratitude, generosity and benevolence.

Villers Abbey with children

The place is ideal for visiting with children. The green space is enormous, they will be able to run without danger. In addition, the visit is interactive for free, using your smartphone, you can scan the QR-codes displayed on the panels of the different areas. You will thus have access to information relating to the chosen location.