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

Si Fu (12 months 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!

Susan Millar (13 months ago)
This place is just beautiful. You are positively bathed in history and serenity. Beautiful lakes to walk around and a nice brasserie to douse your thirst afterwards. The Number 4 bus, which goes almost directly from the gate, will take you back up into Leuven for those that need it.

Freddy Vandriessche (13 months ago)
This Norbertine Abbey was recently renovated (still finishing), but already shows the stunning ceiling sculpurs of the eating place and library in full glory. Special sofa's allow you to admire every detail. The stained glass collection and architecture of the stairs and corridors are only adding more gradiosity to this building. Take your time to listen to the audioguide; unless you are short of time, skipping the attic museum explaining religious tidbits does not spoil the experience. Many guides and guards are more than happy to give you more context and interesting views on the property and the monastic life of this place. The surrounding lake offers a nice hiking trail. Free car parking places available on-site. All visitor areas are wheelchair-friendly.

Dinesh Ayilliath Ravi (15 months ago)
A quiet place with a lot of history, it gives a glimpse into how monks lived in these abbeys…the place is constantly being renovated & am sure will attract more visitors in the coming months & years. Overall a good & calm time spent in the museum ?

Hassan Khlissa (16 months ago)
Calm refreshing in a unique natural environment. Perfect for walks, jogging, picnic. The reeds can actually block the building's view which makes tricky sometimes to take a picture of the monument.

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