Abbey of Leffe

The priory of Leffe, belonging to the order of the "Prémontrés", was founded in 1152 by the Abbey of Floreffe . The priory only became an independent abbey in the 1200s , given the growing number of novices residing there.
However, its peaceful history was interrupted by the Dinant massacre in 1466 (see below).

In 1792, when the revolutionary troops were approaching, the monks fled to Givet. In 1796 the property of the clergy became state property. Leffe Abbey loses all its rights. The abandoned buildings were then used as a glass factory, paper factory and linen factory.

In 1903 the French monks arrived and after their departure the Abbey of Tongerlo revived the Abbey of Leffe.
Nothing remains of the monastery churches from before the 18th century. The portal opening onto Leffevalle Street is the only vestige of the church from the 11th half of the 17th century.
The sanctuary as we can see it today was built in the early 20th century in an old barn that dates back to 1710.

Currently , the religious are responsible for the reception of the rest house , the hotel and the tourists. Liturgical life also includes the maintenance of buildings. Priests are regularly invited to ministries and neighboring parishes.
Leffe beer, which is not brewed in Leffe itself, ensures that the abbey does not have any financial worries. According to our recommendation, your taste buds can enjoy different beers like De Blonde, De Bruine, Tripel and Radieuse. A museum was opened in 2002 where you can discover the history of the abbey and the beer that bears its name.

The Dinant massacre in 1466:

Dinant is occupied by Karel de Stoute and a few other gentlemen. A fierce fire ensues, aided by dry and warm weather. Almost the whole city burns.

According to Jean de Haynin, the execution of the Dinantes, thrown into the Meuse by married couples , is certainly not a legend. That would have happened because they swore to live together or die together, no matter what.
Hands and feet, in pairs, threes or fours, are placed on the edge of a boat in the middle of the river opposite Bouvignes. After their confession, they are thrown into the water. A few reappear, only to be instantly gunned down by the movements of their equally hapless companions. The martyrs are taken to their place of execution together with their wives, children or relatives and are allowed to speak one last time before they die ... "estoit unne tres grant pite a voir les piteus mos et les piteus congie quil eve".
He who had sworn that oath died like this.

Then eight hundred inhabitants were thrown into the river . According to tradition, this is where the nickname of the inhabitants originated: "copère", supposedly deriving from the corruption of the Walloon expression "cô one paire" (a few more), like the soldiers of Charles the Bold who passed the prisoner. he said it.

Willem Vandenameele