The abbey was founded by monks from Beuron Archabbey in Germany, bringing the Beuron Art School style to Belgium.
Maredsous beer is no longer brewed inside the abbey walls but is produced in partnership with a major Belgian brewery under the monks' supervision.
The abbey features a 'Centre d'Accueil' that acts as a gateway for tourism, separating the public areas from the cloistered living quarters of the monks.
It is one of the few abbeys that maintains a high volume of agricultural-based craft production, specifically its trademarked cheese.
The site includes a specialized library and archives that house historical documents related to the Benedictine order in the region.
Maredsous Abbey is an active Benedictine monastery founded in 1872 by the Desclée family in the Meuse valley. The complex was constructed in Neo-Gothic style, inspired by early medieval monastic architecture. It remains a functioning religious community where monks practice the Rule of Saint Benedict. The abbey is renowned for its commercial production of Maredsous cheese and abbey beer, which are prepared according to traditional recipes. Visitors have access to a reception center, a dedicated craft shop, and a restaurant serving local products. The abbey grounds also house a playground and educational trails focused on the local environment. Architectural features include extensive cloisters and a church that hosts religious services throughout the year.
The central courtyard facing the main Gothic facade provides the most balanced perspective of the architecture.
Visit the shop during weekday mornings to avoid the larger crowds that arrive on weekends.
Combine your visit with a walk in the Molignée Valley to view the abbey from the surrounding hillsides.
Sample the cheese and beer platter at the onsite restaurant to experience the local monastic specialties.
Do not wander into restricted areas marked for the monastic community, as these are private living spaces.
Maintain a quiet tone near the church and cloister areas as this is a functioning place of worship.
