Saint-Andries Abbey Zevenkerken, Bruges

History

It is a fairly new church, completed in 1907, and further expanded in the following years. Sadly, nothing remains of the old St. Andrew's Abbey from 1100 because it was destroyed during the French Revolutionary Wars in the late 18th century. It was not until a century later the cornerstone of the new abbey was laid in 1898. Further development of the abbey began in the beginning of the 20th century, when the Abbot Dom Théodore Nève, directed a significant expansion by adding the abbey school, for instance. In the past, many monks were sent to conduct missionary work around the world, but now the primary focus of the community is the life of work and prayer. Everyone is welcome at the daily prayer services. During the week, you can meet the young students, who study at this elite secondary school. The boys live in dorms at the abbey and the girls board at the nearby Priory Bethany.

Food & beverage

The guesthouse, de Koepel, offers plenty of space, and you eat together with the Benedictine monks in the large refectory. You can also eat at the Benedictusheem, a beautiful bistro and patio area,

Grounds & Gardens

There is very good hiking in the surrounding forests, and the beautiful historic city center of Bruges, five kilometers away, is worth exploring. 

Other facilities

There is a lot to see around the abbey. You can explore the grounds, peruse the abbey bookstore, or experience a multi-media exposition of the Bible, located in the aptly named ‘Bible House’.