Val-Dieu Abbey

The monastery of Val- Dieu is an approximately 4 km west of the community Aubel located in the Belgian province of Liege Abbey.

Genesis

In the 12th century, the first Cistercian monks arrived in the former prince-bishopric of Liège and founded the abbey Hocht in Neerharen, near the city of Maastricht, the daughter monastery of Kloster Eberbach.

The establishment of the Abbey of Val -Dieu was possible in 1216 following a donation of the Duke of Limburg and Count of Daelhem by monks of the monastery Hocht. It was at a site near Aubel, built in the fertile valley of the river Berwinne. It was thus one of the filiation of Clairvaux Abbey Primary.

The monastery prospered initially, but suffered early as the end of the 13th century a crisis. Until 1625, the monks had to withdraw to their retreat into 15 Km away Visé, since 1575 the abbey was set by ( Protestant ) Dutch troops on fire. In 1796 it was dissolved during the secularisation and sold the buildings and lands to the family of the abbot.

1844 was the Abbey be repopulated. The church was rebuilt in the late 19th century in the Gothic Revival style, the tower was added in 1934, it received some architectural elements from the 13th century, the Romanesque gate dead, sacristy and two chapels.

By 2001, the monastery of monks inhabited. She now lives and works here a Christian lay community. Today's main tasks are the maintenance of intra- monastic life as well as retreats.

In addition, brewed in Val- Dieu Abbey beers since 1997, marketed in the local monastery shop. The standard range includes the Val -Dieu Blonde ( 6%), Val- Dieu Brune ( 8%) and Val- Dieu Triple (9% ); further still seasonal special beers are brewed.