About this place
Brecht Abbey (Abbey of Our Lady of Nazareth) is a monastery of Trappistine nuns located in the town of Brecht, in the Campine region of the province of Antwerp, Belgium. It sits at coordinates 51.316523, 4.6323994, in a quiet, rural corner typical of this part of Flanders.
What is Brecht Abbey?
It is a women's monastery belonging to the Trappist order, a stricter observance branch of the Cistercians known for its disciplined monastic rhythm. The community's dedication — Our Lady of Nazareth — reflects the Marian patronage common to many Cistercian and Trappist houses founded across Western Europe.
What does life at the abbey look like?
The nuns' daily life at Brecht follows the three pillars characteristic of Trappist spirituality: prayer, reading (in monastic tradition, lectio divina — the contemplative reading of sacred texts) and manual work. This rhythm, rooted in the Benedictine-Cistercian principle of ora et labora, aims to unite contemplation with everyday practical effort, without separating "sacred" time from "ordinary" time. Like their male counterparts, Trappistine nuns live under enclosure, meaning limited contact with the outside world and a day structured around communal liturgical prayer.
Where exactly is it located?
The abbey stands in the municipality of Brecht, within the Campine region — a geographical area stretching across northeastern Belgium and neighbouring parts of the Netherlands, known for its sandy soils, heathland and pine forests. Administratively, the site belongs to the province of Antwerp, one of Flanders' five provinces. This kind of location, away from major urban centres, is typical of contemplative monasteries, which have for centuries sought secluded ground suited to silence and focus.
Who might find this place interesting?
Brecht Abbey is a point of interest for anyone drawn to monastic spirituality, sacred architecture and the history of contemplative orders in Belgium. The Campine region surrounding the abbey is itself a worthwhile destination for lovers of quiet nature — sandy trails, heathland and pine woods — making the area around the abbey a good addition to a route that combines nature with the region's spiritual heritage.
Frequently asked questions
Which order runs the abbey? The community is made up of Trappistine nuns, the female branch of the Cistercian order following the stricter Trappist observance.
Where is Brecht Abbey located? In the town of Brecht, in the Campine region, province of Antwerp, Belgium.
What does a day at the monastery look like? It is built around prayer, spiritual reading and manual work — the three pillars of Trappist life.
Who is the abbey dedicated to? The community carries the title of Our Lady of Nazareth.
Nearby places
Earn badges for the places you visit
Download NextOnTrip, discover new places and check off your trails.