Orval Abbey

History

The first monks of Orval came to the valley in 1070. By the 12th century, a flourishing Cistercian order had developed, and completed the abbey buildings. Despite a devastating fire in the mid-13th century, the abbey continued to prosper and peace reigned until the religious wars of the 15th and 16th centuries began imposing their ill effects. French mercenaries ransacked and burnt the abbey in 1637. After reconstruction, the abbey converted to the Trappist order and the community grew to over 100 monks. In 1793, however, the abbey became the victim of the French Revolutionary Wars, like so many other abbeys and monasteries in the Low Countries. Once again, the buildings of Orval were plundered and destroyed, and the monks had to flee. It was not until 1926 that new life began at the abbey, with an effort to rebuild it to its former glory. The enormous work was completed in 1948, with the consecration of the new abbey church. The symbol of the old Orval Abbey is a flower with six petals, a fitting motif for the abbey’s history of rebirth and renewal! 

Food & beverage

Guests eat together in silence in the big refectory, often served with the abbey’s own Trappist beer, Orval. Down the road from the abbey is a cozy cafe, A l'Ange Gardien (At the Guardian Angel), where you can enjoy the surroundings, while (again!) enjoying Trappist beers and a meal. In the cafe shop, you can buy Orval beer glasses (a great souvenir) and other products like chocolate.

Grounds & Gardens

The abbey grounds are worth taking the time to explore: do not get lost in this large abbey complex! Of particular note are the beautiful Japanese garden, medieval abbey ruins, and museum.

Other facilities

The abbey has its own Trappist brewery and cheese making factory, and these world-class beers and cheeses are available for sale in the abbey shop, along with other abbey products like painted icons.