Around 1130, Giselbertus van Castelre donated part of his land in Tongerlo to the Norbertines of the Saint Michael's Abbey of Antwerp with the intention of founding an abbey there. To this day, the followers of Saint Norbert live, pray and work here.

Translated by Google •

lilian2260

September 1, 2021

The Norbertine abbey in Tongerlo is characterized by a stately driveway with lime trees from 1676. The abbey is walled and a moat runs around it.
You can just walk into the courtyard or cycle through it. In the courtyard there is an old tithe barn. And there is a museum with 1 painting, even a copy. This is da Vinci's Last Supper.

Translated by Google •

🇧🇪 Herwig Aertbeliën

March 6, 2023

History: At the request of Lord Giselbert, a wealthy landlord, some Premonstratensians from St. Michael's Abbey of Antwerp came to settle on his estate in Tongerlo around 1130.

This young monastery foundation arose in the context of the ecclesiastical renewal movement around Norbert van Gennep, who had started a community of canons regular in Prémontré (F) around 1121.

To ensure its active existence, wastelands were brought under cultivation. Prosperity and disaster alternated. Times of growth and expansion came in 'all' areas of society at that time. Striking highlights were the pastoral services in forty churches and the prayer services with a permanent core of choir members. In addition to active care for the poor, extensive patronage developed on many fronts of art, culture and science.

On December 6, 1796, the community of Tongerlo was forced to go into exile. As a result of the French Revolution, the abbey was closed and its property sold. This exodus forced Tongerlo to learn to live small during years of trial.

Badly damaged, with only six survivors out of one hundred and twenty-six, Tongerlo was able to resume communal life in Broechem castle in 1837-1840. People courageously looked for new ways with old values.

On July 1, 1840, a small group returned to Tongerlo.

Translated by Google •

Alwin R 🚲

April 9, 2024

History

The abbey was founded around 1130 by Giselbert of Kasterlee, who also joined as a lay brother. The first canons came from the Abbey of St. Michael in Antwerp, which itself had been founded just a few years earlier.

Today, 54 Premonstratensian canons belong to the abbey, who, among other things, devote themselves to pastoral care in the parishes in the area. A da Vinci museum contains a copy of Leonardo's Last Supper from the 16th century, which contains details that can no longer be seen in the original painting.

Werenfried van Straaten, known as the "Bacon Father", was a member of the Tongerlo Abbey.

Translated by Google •

Fred

August 11, 2018

Norbertine abbey originated in the 12th century. The Tiendenschuur and the replica of Da Vinci's Last Supper are worth a visit.

Translated by Google •

Wiesengründer

August 20, 2023

On the day of the Assumption of Mary with a concert and free drinks in the abbey (15.08., public holiday in BE)

Translated by Google •

Steven VS

September 2, 2024

Very beautiful church. A courtyard that gives peace. Just sit on a bench and take it all in.

Translated by Google •

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Details

Informations

Elevation 20 m

Weather

Today

Thursday 13 November

16°C

13°C

0 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See rides here

Take Me There

Location: Westerlo, Turnhout, Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Kasteel Jeanne de Merode

Bridge Over the Grote Nete (Het Trammetje), Westerlo

De Ster Junction

Krekkemie Sculpture

Pond in Het Goor-Asbroek Nature Reserve

Lourdes Grotto at Tongerlo Abbey

Instappunt Hertberg & picknickzone

Gravelstrook Langs de Grote Nete

Beddermolen Tongerlo

Het Trammeke Mobile Dam on the Grote Nete

Groene long

Tongerlo Abbey

1. Tongerlo Abbey – Olen Lock Complex loop from Zammel

2. Tongerlo Abbey – Averbode Abbey loop from Zichem

3. De Merode Castle, Westerlo – Tongerlo Abbey loop from Westerlo

Other Popular Places to Check Out

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️