Park Abbey, Leuven, Belgium

Park Abbey was founded in 1129 by Duke Godfrey, who possessed an immense park near Leuven and had invited the Premonstratensians to take possession of a small church he had built there.

Abbot Philip and his successors enlarged the buildings and prepared the land for agriculture in the late 12th century. At the time there a canon living in the abbey, Blessed Rabado, whose devotion to the Passion was attested by miracles.

Abbot Gerard van Goetsenhoven (1414–34) had much to do with the establishment of the Catholic University of Leuven, and was also delegated by John IV, Duke of Brabant to transact state affairs with the King of England and the Duke of Burgundy. Abbot van Tulden (1462–94) was successful in his action against commendatory abbots being imposed on religious houses in Belgium. Abbot van den Berghe (1543–58) managed the contributions levied in support of the Belgian theologians present at the resumed Council of Trent.

The abbey frequently suffered during the wars waged by William of Orange and the Calvinists. Under Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor, the abbey was confiscated, because Abbot Wauters (died in 1792) refused to send his religious to the general seminary erected by the emperor at Leuven. In the successful revolution against the emperor, the religious returned to their abbey. Wauters was succeeded by Melchior Nysmans (1793–1810).

Under the French Republic the abbey was confiscated again on 1 February 1797. At the request of the people the church was declared to be a parish church and was thus saved. The abbey was bought by a friendly layman who wished to preserve it for the religious, in better times. One of the canons, in the capacity of parish priest, remained in or near the abbey.

When Belgium was made a kingdom and religious freedom was restored, the surviving religious resumed community life and elected Peter Ottoy, then rural dean of Diest, as their superior.

Today Park Abbey is an exceptionally well preserved 12th-century heritage site on the outskirts, surrounded by green space. It is open to the public.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Konstantina Tsonaka (8 months ago)
I loved the library of the abbey and the park for a walk or by bicycle.

Hans Lind (10 months ago)
They say there are 2 monks still around - but they were invisible. But the monastery is worth a visit anyway - especially for the glass paintings

Tamas Z (11 months ago)
It was one of the most beautiful experiences of our stay in Belgium, we saw a beautiful exhibition and the atmosphere of the whole park, the music and the food were excellent, I recommend everyone to visit the place, especially if there is a program here

Tarlan Omarbayli (14 months ago)
If you live somewhere close to Park Abbey, you should definitely visit it. Especially in spring it is very beautiful and you can smell the odor of the flowers everywhere. By just walking around, you will find peace here. There is enough area to play games, to run and to do other fun activities.

Si Fu (2 years ago)
Exquisite with a history of 900 years, there are many rich historical and cultural heritage, including holy paintings, documents and holy relics, which are very inspiring to understand the history of Christianity and the truth of the Bible. The tour guide is very friendly and answers questions. The ceiling relief The Last Supper is one of a kind, art and faith lovers, worth seeing!

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