Visiting the Villers Abbey: Location, History and Guide!

Villers Abbey, located in Villers-la-Ville, Belgium, is an ancient Cistercian complex with a rich history dating back to 1146. After being abandoned in 1796 following the French Revolution, it sat in disrepair for nearly a century before the Belgian government initiated extensive restoration efforts. In 1893, Villers Abbey opened to the public, allowing visitors to explore its impressive ruins and learn about its architectural and cultural significance. The abbey is situated about 50 km south of Brussels and 45 km east of Charleroi in the Walloon Brabant province. Its geographical coordinates are 50.5906° N latitude and 4.5296° E longitude.

Villers Abbey is open from April to October every day, 10 am to 6 pm. From November to March, the opening hours are from 10 am to 5 pm and the abbey is closed on Tuesdays. It remains closed on December 24-25 and December 31, as well as on January 1, during the holiday season.

The best time to visit Villers Abbey is during the spring, summer or autumn months when the weather is mild and pleasant, ranging from around 15°C to 25°C (60°F to 75°F) from April through October. The entrance fees to Villers Abbey vary based on age and status. Adults are charged €9 (US $9.53, £7.88), while students and seniors pay €7 (US $7.46, £6.12). Children aged 6-12 are charged €4 (US $4.26, £3.50) and admission is free for children under 6. Groups of 15 or more can inquire about special group rates.

Villers Abbey is safe to visit, as it is located in the low-crime town of Villers-la-Ville. The site is well-maintained and areas of concern are cordoned off to ensure visitor safety. There is no set limit on the length of stay at Villers Abbey. Visitors can explore the extensive ruins and grounds at their own pace during the abbey's open hours. Most visitors spend approximately 1.5 to 3 hours exploring the site, although some may choose to stay longer for a more in-depth visit.

What is Villers Abbey?

Villers Abbey, an ancient Cistercian complex in Wallonia, Belgium, dates back to 1146. Its ruins reflect nine centuries of monastic life. The site, open since 1893, allows for historical and architectural exploration. Villers Abbey's address is Rue de l'Abbaye 55, 1495 Villers-la-Ville, Belgium. It sits approximately 50 km (31 miles) from Brussels. The best visiting period is spring through autumn, with mild weather conducive to touring the expansive grounds.

The entrance fees are €9 (US $9.53, £7.88) for adults, €7 (US $7.46, £6.12) for students and seniors, €4 (US $4.26, £3.50) for children aged 6-12 and free for those under 6. Visitors typically spend 1.5 to 3 hours on-site. Villers Abbey's ruins are safe, with areas of concern cordoned off. Public access to the abbey offers a peek into its storied past and Gothic architecture.

Reaching Villers Abbey is via a 45-minute drive from Brussels or by train, followed by a short walk. Visitors are expected to adhere to house rules, including staying on marked paths and respecting the site's historical significance. Feedback from guests often highlights the ruin's impressive scale and beauty.

Villers Abbey is deemed a must-visit, offering a window into medieval monastic life for a modest entrance fee. Guided tours enhance the experience with historical insights. Additional activities include a medicinal garden and vineyard visit. The on-site gift shop offers related souvenirs.

Where is Villers Abbey?

Villers Abbey is located at Rue de l'Abbaye 55, 1495 Villers-la-Ville, Belgium. The Villers Abbey is situated in the town of Villers-la-Ville, approximately 50 km (31 miles) south of Brussels and 45 km (28 miles) east of Charleroi in the Walloon Brabant province. The geographical coordinates for Villers Abbey are 50.5906° N latitude and 4.5296° E longitude.

When was Villers Abbey opened to the public?

Villers Abbey first opened to the public in 1893. After being abandoned in 1796 following the French Revolution, the abbey sat empty and deteriorating for nearly a century. It was sold off and pillaged for building materials. In the late 19th century, the Belgian government purchased the site and began extensive restoration and conservation efforts. Once stabilization work was completed, the historic abbey ruins were opened for public visitation as a tourist attraction in 1893. This allowed the public to appreciate the architectural and cultural significance of the site.

What is the history of Villers Abbey?

Villers Abbey is an ancient Cistercian, founded in 1146 by 12 monks and several lay brothers from the Cistercian Clairvaux Abbey in France under the patronage of Saint Bernard, it was one of the most prominent Cistercian abbeys in Europe before being abandoned in 1796 after the French Revolution. During the 13th century golden age, the abbey grew to house around 100 monks and 300 lay brothers. Decline began in the 1500s with repeated invasions forcing the monks to flee. A brief resurgence came in the mid-1700s before the abbey was abandoned and pillaged in the wake of the French Revolution in 1796. It sat as an empty ruin for a century before restoration efforts began in the late 1800s. Today it is a preserved historic site showcasing 900 years of history.

What are the visiting hours of Villers Abbey?

Villers Abbey welcomes visitors within specific hours. From April to October, the Abbey is accessible every day from 10 am until 6 pm. During November to March, opening hours are from 10 am to 5 pm and it remains closed on Tuesdays. The Abbey does not open on December 24-25 and December 31, as well as January 1, to observe the holiday season.

When is the best time to visit Villers Abbey?

The best time to visit Villers Abbey is during the spring, summer or autumn months. The weather is mild and pleasant, ranging from around 15°C to 25°C (60°F to 75°F) from April through October. The summer months of July and August can be busy with peak tourism. Spring offers fewer crowds and the lovely sight of blossoming flowers and trees. Autumn brings beautiful warm tones to the abbey's landscape. Spring and fall present the good time to visit Villers Abbey by also sidestepping the peak season and winter temperatures.

Is it safe to visit Villers Abbey?

Yes, it is safe to visit Villers Abbey as it is located in the small, low-crime town of Villers-la-Ville. As a popular tourist site, there is frequent traffic through the grounds. Though some structures are unstable due to their age, dangerous areas are prohibited from public access. Visitors must stay on marked paths and exercise caution around crumbling masonry and high walls. There are no major safety issues as long as proper precautions are taken when walking through and exploring the ancient abbey ruins.

How much is the entrance fee for Villers Abbey?

Villers Abbey sets its entrance fees based on age. Adults pay €9 (US $9.53, £7.88), whereas a reduced rate is available for students and seniors at €7 (US $7.46, £6.12). A further reduced fee applies to children between the ages of 6-12, who are charged €4 (US $4.26, £3.50). Admission is complimentary for children under the age of 6. Groups of 15 or more can avail themselves of special group rates.

How long can you stay in Villers Abbey?

There is no limit on the length of stay at Villers Abbey. Travelers can explore the extensive ruins and grounds at their own pace for as long as they choose during the abbey's open hours, from 10am to 5 or 6pm daily. Most visitors spend around 1.5 to 3 hours wandering through the abbey, but some may stay longer if they want a very in-depth visit. The flexibility to roam and linger is part of what makes Villers Abbey an engaging site to discover.

How long is the typical visit time in Villers Abbey?

Visitors spend between 1.5 to 3 hours exploring Villers Abbey. This allows enough time for guests to leisurely stroll through the ruins of the church, cloisters, cellars, refectory, dormitories, kitchens, pharmacy and gardens. Those who are very interested in history or architecture may spend a longer time reading informational plaques.

How to get to Villers Abbey?

Villers Abbey is located in the town of Villers-la-Ville, about 50 km south of Brussels. The main options for getting there are:

• By car: Drive directly and park for free at the abbey lot, about a 45 min drive from Brussels
• By train: Take the train to Villers-la-Ville Station from Brussels, about a 1.5 hour ride. Then walk 25 mins (2 km) to the abbey.
• Organized tour: Book a day tour from Brussels, Bruges, Ghent or other cities that includes transportation.
• Taxi/rideshare: Take a taxi or Uber from Brussels or nearby towns directly to the abbey entrance.

What are the house rules of Villers Abbey?

Listed below are the house rules of Villers Abbey.

• Stay on marked paths. Stay on marked paths only, no accessing unsafe structures
• Climbing prohibited. No climbing on ruins
• Monitor children. Supervise children closely
• Maintain quiet and order. No loud noise or disruptive behavior
• Dispose of litter properly. No littering – use provided bins
• Pets are not allowed. No pets, except assistance animals
• No photography. No professional photography without permission and flash photography in the church.
• Preservation is required. Respect the historic site.

What visitors say about Villers Abbey?

Visitors are often impressed by the scale and preservation of the ruins at Villers Abbey. They describe the Gothic church and cloisters as beautiful. The gardens and natural surroundings are considered peaceful and scenic. Some visitors wish for more historical placards and interpretive information throughout the large site. Many recommend visiting earlier or later in the day to avoid peak crowds. Most reviews note that Villers Abbey is an atmospheric, hauntingly beautiful abbey ruin that makes for an engaging visit and memorable day trip from Brussels.

What do we think about Villers Abbey?

To say the amazing photos I'd seen of the Villers Abbey weren't illusions would be an understatement. When I made that left turn to where my GPS said the Abbey would be, I suddenly drove through an old gate and immediately on my left was this huge structure. It was part of the Villers Abbey and the road to reach it actually runs through the domain, with the Abbey on the left and a secondary building, now used as a bistro, on the right.
I left my car in the parking lot, took out my camera and paid the entrance fee. For the same price, I also got a map with detailed information about what I'd see on the domain and a brochure about the Abbey's medicinal herb garden.
The next two hours I spent wandering around. Trying out every little pathway I could find, trying to imagine what this place had looked like in its glory days.
The Abbaye de Villers is especially interesting because it lets you imagine what abbey life was like over the centuries. From the transept to the cloisters and the infirmary to the dormitory, many aspects and sections are still visible.

There were a few other visitors, but not as many as the Abbaye de Villers deserves. This really is a magnificent structure and an interesting place not only for adults but for kids as well.

I hope the following photos will convince you all to go there and when you do, please tell me afterward if you liked it just as much as I did.

Are there any guided tours to Villers Abbey?

Yes, Villers Abbey offers guided tours of the historic ruins. Public tours are available every Sunday afternoon from April to October and cost €6 per person. Private and group tours can also be booked in advance for parties of 15 or more people. Guides provide in-depth expertise on the history, architecture and daily life at the medieval abbey. Tours are conducted in French, English, Dutch or German. Self-guided visits are always an option as well, but guided tours allow for a more enriched experience learning about the significance of this exceptional site from knowledgeable locals.

Is it worth it to visit Villers Abbey?

Yes, a visit to Villers Abbey is absolutely worth it, especially for history and architecture enthusiasts. The sheer size and completeness of the ruins provide rare insight into medieval monastic life. The surviving church, cloisters, kitchen, dormitories and cellars give a sense of the once immense wealth and importance of this Cistercian abbey. The ruins showcase exquisite Gothic and Romanesque architectural details carved in stone. Nature has also reclaimed the grounds, adding to the poetic, romantic feel. For the reasonable entrance fee, Villers Abbey is one of the most impressive abbey ruins in Europe and makes for a convenient, worthwhile day trip from Brussels to appreciate the history and natural beauty.

Other things to do in Villers Abbey?

Listed below are the best things to do in Villers Abbey.

• Medicinal Garden: On the grounds is a medieval medicinal garden featuring many of the herbs and plants used by medieval monks. It provides a beautiful space to stroll through.
• Vineyard: The abbey's historic vineyard sits on the hillside just across from the ruins. It is open to visitors on select days. The vines were replanted in the 1990s.
• Gift Shop: The small gift shop at the entrance sells books and souvenirs related to the abbey along with beverages.
• Abbey Beer: Villers Abbey has an on-site microbrewery that makes beer based on medieval recipes used by the monks. Beer can be purchased to drink onsite or take home.
• Picnic: Many visitors enjoy picnicking on the grounds of the abbey. Bring lunch to eat in the cloister gardens or orchard.
• Nearby Hiking Trails: The surrounding countryside has scenic marked trails perfect for enjoying nature after visiting the abbey.
• Cycling: Rent bikes in town to cycle through the rolling landscape around the abbey.

Where to eat around Villers Abbey?

After exploring Villers Abbey, here are the couple dining options onsite and some additional choices in the surrounding village:

• Bistro de l'Abbaye: Casual bistro in the abbey museum serving light fare like sandwiches, soups and daily specials.
• Microbrasserie de Villers: Brewery with outdoor beer garden selling beers, wines and limited snacks.
• Le Chalet de la Forêt: Cozy restaurant near the abbey specializing in grilled meats and wood-fired pizza.
• La Cave du Moulin: Laid-back brasserie fare like croques, pastas, salads served in a historic mill.
• Le Relais 13 Vents: Quaint restaurant offering classic French/Belgian dishes in a 16th century building.
• Le Café des Sports: Local café with reasonably priced traditional dishes and village ambiance.

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