Groenendael Priory

In the heart of the Sonian Forest don’t miss the Groenendael Priory at node 43 (about 500 m), which was originally a simple hermitage and was first mentioned in 1304. The dense forest was indeed an ideal shelter for spiritual retreats. Little remains of this magnificent complex. It should be noted that the scriptorium, built shortly after 1435, was abandoned at the beginning of the 16thcentury and was rediscovered in 2005. This room, with a remarkably well-preserved architecture, is located at underground level. This unique jewel of medieval convent architecture is still awaiting restoration. A drawing of the monastery by Pieter Breughel is preserved in Amsterdam. The site is also strikingly reproduced in Bernard van Orley's famous paintings ‘The Hunts of Maximilian’ (1531-33). You might even feel the presence of the illustrious Charles V, who regularly held hunting parties here! Like many others, the Groenendael Priory was demolished in 1784 by decree of Emperor Joseph II as it was considered a ‘useless convent’.

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