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Church · Clervaux, Clervaux
Abbaye Saint-Maurice de Clervaux (Abadia de Saint-Maurice)
Benedictine abbey built in the early 20th century on the slope above Clervaux, in Burgundian Romanesque style. The monks usually sing the offices in Gregorian chant; the crypt has an exhibition about monastic life.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Abbaye Saint-Maurice de Clervaux (Abadia de Saint-Maurice)
The abbey of Saint-Maurice e Saint-Maur is located in a wood on the hillside above Clervaux, about a 15-minute walk from the centre. It was built between 1909 and 1910 by Benedictine monks from France, who left the country because of laws against religious congregations, and follows the Romanesque style of the abbeys of Borgonha, with a square tower, slate roofs and light-coloured stone.
The Benedictine community still lives in the monastery, which follows the Rule of São Bento with prayer, study and work. The abbey church is open to visitors outside the liturgical offices, and those who arrive at prayer times can hear the monks singing in Gregorian chant.
In the crypt, an exhibition presents monastic life, the history of the Benedictine order and that of the abbey itself. The monastery buildings are not open to visitors, but the surrounding path and the wood are accessible, with views over the valley and Clervaux castle below.
The abbey was also hit during the Batalha das Ardenas and was restored afterwards. It is a place of worship and silence: visit discreetly, especially during the offices.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 minutes to 1 hour, including the crypt.
Best time
At the time of one of the offices to hear the Gregorian chant, or in the late afternoon for the light over the valley. Check the prayer times before you go.
How to get there
From Clervaux centre, walk up the marked path that starts near the castle, about a 15-minute uphill walk along the slope. By car there is a road to the abbey's parking area.
Tip
Ask at the entrance or check the website for the office times to hear the Gregorian chant. On the way down, stop at the viewpoint on the path for a photo of the white castle above the town.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Abbaye Saint-Maurice de Clervaux (Abadia de Saint-Maurice)
Does the abbey still have monks?
Yes. A Benedictine community lives in the monastery and prays the offices in the abbey church, often in Gregorian chant.
What can be visited at the abbey?
The abbey church, outside the offices; the crypt with the exhibition about monastic life; and the surrounding wood. The monastery buildings are closed to the public.
How long does the walk up from the centre take?
About a 15-minute walk uphill along the marked path that starts near the castle.