🏰✨ Exploring History at Villers Abbey! ✨🏰

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Our family had an incredible day trip to Villers Abbey, a mesmerizing Cistercian monastery with a rich history dating back to 1146! 📜✨ The abbey's ruins tell tales of centuries gone by, and we were captivated by its architectural wonders.

🕰️ Walking through time: The abbey's construction spanned over seven decades, with the church itself taking 70 years to complete by the end of the 13th century. The ruins vividly showcase the choir, crypt, and refectory, offering a glimpse into the monks' lives.

🌳 Expansive Lands: In its prime, Villers Abbey was surrounded by approximately 100 km² of woods, fields, and pasturage. Imagining the bustling life within its walls was both humbling and awe-inspiring.

⛪ Architectural Marvels: Despite its decline in the 16th and 17th centuries, the abbey's ruins stand as a testament to Cistercian architecture. The church, with its imposing vaulting, arches, and rose windows, remains a breathtaking sight.

🎶 Cultural Oasis: Today, the abbey hosts the annual choir festival "Nuit Des Choeurs," a celebration of music that echoes through the historic grounds. Choirs from various genres and backgrounds add a vibrant melody to the abbey's timeless atmosphere.

🌟 Restoration and Preservation: Thanks to the efforts of the Belgian state and the Association pour la Promotion Touristique et Culturelle de Villers (APTCV), the abbey has been lovingly restored since 1893. The cloister, refectory, kitchens, dormitories, and brewing house have been preserved for future generations.

🎇 Our visit was a journey through centuries, and we're grateful for the chance to witness the beauty and resilience of Villers Abbey. A special thanks to APTCV for their dedication to maintaining this historical gem! 🙌🏰 #travelbelgium #familyadventure #historyunveiled

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