Averbode Abbey

12th-century Premonstratensian abbey with a striking Baroque-Gothic church, still an active monastery in the Flemish Brabant heathland.

Averbode Abbey in the Flemish municipality of Scherpenheuvel-Zichem is one of Belgium's most significant Premonstratensian abbeys. Founded around 1134, it was suppressed during the French Revolution in 1797 and re-established in 1834. The abbey church is a striking synthesis of Baroque and Gothic with Renaissance ornamental details — built between 1664 and 1672 from local iron sandstone to designs by Antwerp architect Jan Van den Eynde II. During the 20th century, the abbey's press was one of Belgium's leading children's book publishers. The working monastery still welcomes visitors seeking quiet reflection today.