L’ancienne abbaye

Villers Abbey, a major Cistercian abbey founded in the 12th century, is one of the few European monastic sites with complete ruins. The two towers on the west front of the huge abbey church, the nave and side aisles, transepts and chancel (with some remaining vaulting) can still be seen, as can the south wing, comprising the heated sitting-room or chauffoir, large refectory and kitchen, the wing for the lay brothers to the west, the monks’ wing with its library, the chapter-house, cloister, enclosing wall, gatehouse and network of water channels. The abbey can be visited all the year round and is an important cultural and tourism centre.

Building and site listed by RD (23-05-1972)

Listed site (16-09-1991)

Listed as an exceptional heritage site of Wallonia