The Cistercian Abbey of Maegdendael once stood here, one of the three monasteries founded by Bartholomew of Tienen after his wife's death in 1215.

His daughter, an important mystic, lived here from 1221 to 1236. Beatrijs of Tienen then moved to the Cistercian monastery of Nazareth near Lier until her death. Therefore, she is generally called Beatrijs of Nazareth.

Of the texts she wrote, her "On Seven Ways of Sacred Love" became particularly well-known. A remarkable work for several reasons. It was written in the vernacular, Middle Dutch, with influences from Tienen. At the same time, she was the second-known author in Dutch literary history.

Remains of the monastery are limited, the oldest dating from the seventeenth century. More on this can be found in the description in the second commentary.

Some remains can also be found in other places, such as the church in Oplinter.

Translated by Google •

November 19, 2025

Former Cistercian abbey "Maegdendael". Founded in 1219, during its heyday it included a church, a quarter for guests and foreigners, a spacious abbess' quarters, monastic buildings and appurtenances, including a brewery near the Gete river. In 1755, a large portion of the buildings were destroyed, but only partially rebuilt.

After the dissolution of the monastic orders, the abbey became privately owned; in 1840, the ensemble was severely damaged by fire, and thirty years later, the remains were destroyed or converted into appurtenances for the current farm. The preserved elements date from the 17th and mostly the 18th century.

Arched portal with a large door, crowned with a now illegible inscription and elevated statues depicting Saint Bernard and the Virgin Mary; Next to it is a small round-arched pedestrian doorway (date 1661 on the keystone); two narrow cross-windows remain in the rear facade.

The courtyard is enclosed by farm buildings from various periods and a more recent house. Extending from the portal are the horse and pig stables with small round-arched doorways: the date "1660" is above one of these doors.

Opposite, a large barn dating from 1721: brick construction decorated with sandstone latticework; round-arched doorways and rectangular windows originally with cross-frames; beautifully carved cornice beams in the shape of animal heads.

Several other dated elements: "1643" (sintered brick) on the perimeter wall; 1655 on a brickwork stone in the more recent section of the wall; and 1655 and 1714 again on gable stones set into the gable of the new barn.

Alterations: some round-arched doors and windows of the barn; additions and the rear facade of the porch were rebuilt with bluestone; two large doors in the barn; partial destruction of the building next to the porch; new additions, closing off the right side of the courtyard; shed and barn were recently built, slightly protruding from the right facade of the old barn.

Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Cistercian Abbey of Maegdendael, id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/43106

Translated by Google •

Marc 🚶‍♂️

February 28, 2024

Unique building with a rich history. The monumental gatehouse shows that restoration and probably a suitable repurposing is urgently needed.

Translated by Google •

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Elevation 80 m

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Saturday 20 December

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Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

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Take Me There

Location: Tienen, Leuven, Flemish Brabant, Flanders, Belgium

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Monastery Farm Gatehouse

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