Ten Putte Abbey

Ten Putte Abbey is a monastery with an abbey church in Gistel, a town roughly 8 km south of Ostend, in the western part of Belgium, in the region of West Flanders. The site marks a place tied to one of the region's oldest religious legends — the death of Saint Godelina.

Why is this abbey connected to Saint Godelina?

According to the story passed down through the centuries, in 1070 Saint Godelina was murdered by strangulation, and her body was then thrown into a pond on this very spot. The abbey was built here specifically to mark and commemorate that place. The name "Ten Putte" (roughly, "at the well" or "at the pond") refers directly to the pond where her body was disposed of, tying the site's very name to the tragedy that gave rise to it. Today the abbey functions both as a place of religious devotion and as a landmark for visitors interested in the region's history and spirituality.

Who has cared for the abbey over the years?

The community associated with Ten Putte Abbey has changed over time. Before 2007, the abbey was home to nine Benedictine nuns, who were members of the wider Subiaco Cassinese Congregation active in West Flanders — a branch of the Benedictine order centered on contemplative life, prayer, and work under the Rule of Saint Benedict.

Since 2007, the abbey has been occupied by brothers and sisters of the "Mother of Peace" community. This transition marked a new chapter for the site, though its spiritual character and its connection to Saint Godelina have remained unchanged.

Where exactly is Ten Putte Abbey located?

The abbey sits in Gistel, in the province of West Flanders, a short distance from the North Sea coast — Ostend, one of Belgium's most important coastal cities, lies only about 8 km to the north of Gistel. The site's coordinates place it at approximately 51.15°N, 2.927°E, right in the heart of West Flanders, a region known for its flat landscapes, canals, and historic small towns.

When can visitors go?

For anyone planning a visit, the seasonal opening hours matter. From April 1 to September 30, the abbey is open on Mondays and over the weekend (Saturday and Sunday) from 14:00 to 18:00. On weekdays, from Tuesday to Friday, there are two visiting windows: 10:00–12:00 and 14:00–18:00. These hours apply to the summer season (April–September); outside that period, access may differ, so it is worth confirming in advance by phone at +32 479 79 08 89.

Frequently asked questions

What is Ten Putte Abbey? It is a monastery with an abbey church in Gistel, Belgium, built on the site associated with the death of Saint Godelina in 1070.

Who lives at the abbey today? Since 2007, the abbey has been home to brothers and sisters of the "Mother of Peace" community, who succeeded the earlier community of nine Benedictine nuns.

How far is it from Ostend? About 8 km south of Ostend, the main coastal city in this part of Belgium.

When is the abbey open? During the summer season (April–September): Mondays and weekends 14:00–18:00, and Tuesday to Friday 10:00–12:00 and 14:00–18:00.

How can visitors contact the abbey? By phone at +32 479 79 08 89.