Buildings - Religious - Abbey's
The Abbey is located in Averbode, a suburb of Scherpenheuvel-Zichem in the Belgian province of Flemish Brabant. The Abbey is located on a hill surrounded by a big forest.
The Abbey of Averbode was founded in 1134 by Arnold II, Count of Loon. In this abbey you will find the Premonstratenzers, also known as Norbertins or Withers.
Originally, it was a double monastery but at the beginning of the 13th century, the sisters moved to their own abbey, called the Keizerbos (Imperial Forest).
By the end of the 19th century, the brothers added printing and publishing books to their daily activities. From 1920 the publishing house published the children's magazine 'Zonneland' (sunnyland). In 1930 the Flemish Films (small story books for children) followed. In 1958 'Zonnekind' (Sunnychild) was born. Now Averbode is still know for the publishing of books.
Currently, the community still has 78 members.
The building has already been restored several times, partly due to a lightning strike in 1499 and a fire in 1942.
