Leffe Abbey

Architecture

Premonstratensian abbey on the Meuse in Dinant-Leffe, founded in 1152 – the namesake of the well-known abbey beer and still home to a community of canons.

Interesting facts

In 1240 the abbey bought a brewery on the other side of the Meuse.
Brewing at the abbey ended in 1809.
A beer has been brewed under the Leffe name again since 1954.

Why visit

Origin of the well-known abbey beer
Monastic history since 1152

Leffe Abbey (Abbaye Notre-Dame de Leffe) lies in the Leffe district of Dinant on the right bank of the Meuse. In 1152 a Premonstratensian community was founded here as a priory of Floreffe Abbey; it was raised to the status of an abbey in 1160.

During the French Revolution the canons left in 1794; in 1796 the abbey was suppressed and sold as national property, and the abbey church was later demolished. In 1902 Premonstratensians from Frigolet near Avignon acquired the site, and since 1929 Leffe has been a daughter house of Tongerlo Abbey. The community uses the house today as a religious and cultural centre.

The name is known worldwide for its beer: the abbey brewed from the 13th century until brewing stopped in 1809. In 1954 a Leffe was brewed again in the traditional way together with a brewer; today a large brewing group produces the beers under the abbey’s name.

History

Founded in 1152 as a priory of Floreffe Abbey, raised to an abbey in 1160, bought a brewery in 1240. The canons left in 1794, suppressed and sold in 1796. Resettled in 1902 by Premonstratensians from Frigolet, daughter house of Tongerlo since 1929. First newly brewed Leffe in 1954.

Special features

Premonstratensian abbey on the Meuse, today a religious and cultural meeting centre. The historic abbey church has not survived.

Map

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