St. Bernard's Abbey

St. Bernard's Abbey in Hemiksem is a former Cistercian monastery on the banks of the Scheldt, in the province of Antwerp, Belgium. Blending centuries of monastic history with a present-day role as a municipal facility, it offers visitors a quieter alternative to the region's better-known medieval landmarks.

What is the history behind the abbey?

The abbey was founded in 1243 by the Cistercian order and served for centuries as a religious center for the communities along the Scheldt. Its full Latin name — abbatiae S. Bernardi ad Scaldim, ordinis Cisterciensis, in dioecesi Antverpiensi — records both its position within the Diocese of Antwerp and its riverside location "on the Scheldt" (ad Scaldim), a detail that was central to the abbey's identity. The Cistercians, known for their strict monastic rule and disciplined communal life, maintained the abbey until the upheavals of the late eighteenth century brought its monastic function to an end.

Why did the abbey stop functioning as a monastery?

The monastery's dissolution came with the French Revolution. The wave of secularization that swept through church institutions during this period, reaching the territory of present-day Belgium, led to the abbey being dissolved. This fate was shared by many monastic houses across Europe at the time, as religious property was frequently transferred to secular or state ownership and organized monastic life was interrupted.

Who owns the abbey buildings today?

Following its dissolution, the abbey buildings passed into the ownership of the municipality of Hemiksem. This shift means that although the former monastic complex lost its original religious purpose, it has been preserved as part of the local heritage and is now managed by the local government rather than by a religious community or church institution.

Where exactly is the abbey located?

The site sits in the town of Hemiksem, in the province of Antwerp, directly alongside the Scheldt river — a connection reflected in the abbey's historical name. Its coordinates place it at roughly 51.131 latitude and 4.330 longitude, south of the city of Antwerp, within the belt of riverside towns typical of this part of Flanders.

Can visitors tour the abbey?

The site is open to visitors during set hours that vary by day of the week. On Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, access is limited to the morning (09:00–12:00). Tuesdays offer the longest window, with both a morning slot (09:00–12:00) and afternoon/evening access (14:00–16:00 and 18:00–19:30). Wednesdays follow a two-block schedule, morning (09:00–12:00) and afternoon (14:00–16:00). Because the opening hours differ noticeably from day to day, it is worth checking the schedule in advance so a visit doesn't fall outside the available time slots.

Frequently asked questions

Is it still an active monastery? No — monastic life ended with the French Revolution, and the buildings have belonged to the municipality of Hemiksem ever since.

Which order built the abbey? The Cistercians, an order known for its strict rule and for founding numerous monasteries across medieval Europe.

When was the abbey founded? In 1243.

Where is Hemiksem located? In the province of Antwerp, Belgium, on the banks of the Scheldt river.