Herkenrode Abbey

About

Founded in 1182, Herkenrode Abbey became the first women’s Cistercian abbey in the Netherlands in 1217, and was home to a community of nuns until 1796, when they were forced out. In 1820 the abbey church, cloister, and much of the original monastery was destroyed, leaving behind farm buildings and about 100 hectares of nature. Many of the abbey buildings have since been restored and recreated, meaning visitors can learn about the site’s 600 year history, and the lives of the women who leaved here. Gardening was a major part of monastic life, so visitors can learn about the history of herbs and how people through the ages in the abbey’s beautiful and relaxing gardens. In the carriage house, visitors can purchase some abbey products to take home with them including herbal gits and the abbey’s delicious beer.