The Infirmary building from 1658

Here you enter the oldest preserved part of the complex, it dates from the sixteenth century. The half-timbered building you see here was the nuns' first sleeping quarters. On the west side, the cells opened onto a cloister through which the nuns could walk to the church.

The roofless building next to it initially served as an infirmary for the nurses, but was later used as a dormitory. Finally, the third building is the "New Infirmary", which (everything is relative) was built in 1658.

Sisters still live in the new building behind you. Please respect their privacy and keep your distance from this building.

Wide house of the double house type, dated 1658 by means of wall anchors. Brick building with the use of marlstone for the cornice, wall and corner bands, and limestone for the frames of the wall openings. Low brick base with limestone chamfering. Round arch gate with neat profiling, keystone with diamond head, and projecting arch molding with straight ends; above it a weathered facade stone with coat of arms of abbess Anne Catherine de Lamboy. Interior: spacious hall with altar between two quarter-turn staircases. A Renaissance fireplace in each room. Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Herkenrode Abbey, id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/22246

In the infirmary, built in 1658, the sick sisters were cared for. The building was separated from the rest of the abbey by a moat.
The layout of the building is unique because it departs from the typical medieval monastery infirmary. In earlier periods, people always opted for a large hall with a chapel. People believed that contemplation, prayer and faith were the best medicines. In the Herkenrode infirmary of 1658, you enter an impressive hall with a ceiling decorated with stucco. At the back, there is a monumental state staircase that embraces an altar. Four separate rooms with fireplaces lead to this hall. On the first floor, this layout is repeated. Not much is currently known about why the infirmary was built in this particular way and how it functioned exactly.
(Herita)