The abbey is an autonomous priory belonging to the Norbertine order, also known as the Premonstratensians.
The monastery was originally founded as a priory dependent on Floreffe Abbey before gaining independence.
Postel's famous beer is produced under license by the Affligem Brewery, following the abbey's historical recipes.
The abbey church was elevated to the status of a basilica minor in 1971 by Pope Paul VI.
During the French Revolution, the monks were forced to leave the abbey, and the property was sold as public land.
The abbey's library houses historical manuscripts and early printed books reflecting the scholarly history of the order.
The abbey is surrounded by extensive woodlands and meadows, which were historically managed by the monastic community.
The current abbey buildings incorporate remnants of 12th-century Romanesque structures, though largely hidden by later renovations.
Postel Abbey is a Premonstratensian monastery in the Belgian Campine region, founded in 1134. The current buildings primarily date from the 17th and 18th centuries, showcasing a blend of Baroque and traditional Flemish styles. It remains an active religious site where Norbertine canons live according to the rule of Saint Augustine. The monastery is widely recognized for its long-standing tradition of brewing Postel beer and producing abbey cheese. Visitors can explore the church, which features a notable collection of Baroque altarpieces and woodcarvings. The abbey grounds include an apothecary garden and a shop selling monastery-produced goods. It serves as a significant site for both religious pilgrimages and cultural heritage tourism in the province of Antwerp.
The main courtyard facing the central abbey building and the ornate doorway of the church.
Visit the shop during off-peak hours to sample and purchase the monastery-brewed beers and locally produced cheeses.
Walk the surrounding nature paths in the forest to see the rural setting that has sustained the community for centuries.
Respect the privacy of the monastic enclosure where the monks live, as many sections are off-limits to visitors.
Attempting to access the private monastic quarters or the areas marked for monks only.
The abbey shop and areas open to the public may have limited operations on certain religious holidays or local public holidays.
Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor while inside the church and near the residential quarters of the abbey.
