The full name of the abbey is the Abbey of Our Lady of the Holy Heart of Westmalle. The community was founded in 1794 by monks of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance and was granted abbey status in 1836. The monks of this order are commonly known as Trappists, after the Abbey of La Trappe in France. Since the end of the 18th century the monks of Westmalle Abbey have dedicated themselves to a communal life of prayer and work.
Westmalle Abbey belongs to the community of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance. There are close links between Cistercian communities. The Christian teaching of loving thy neighbour is at the heart of their lives, and houses support each other in this spirit. The ideal is solidarity with humankind.
The Trappists of Westmalle lead quiet, secluded lives of work, rest and contemplation within the abbey. Nevertheless, they do not isolate themselves from people or from the concerns and needs of people. They divide their time between prayer, contemplation and labour following a strict daily roster.
“Listen carefully, my child,to your master's precepts, and incline the ear of your heart.” is the opening line of Saint Benedicts Rule. Those who want to become a monk follow the voice of their heart.
A community of Trappist monks has been living at Westmalle Abbey since the 18th century. Their lives are governed by prayer and labour.
Discover our three Trappist beers: Extra, Dubbel and Tripel. Quality beers brewed only with the purest ingredients.
The monks of Westmalle brew beer to fund the costs of their life in the abbey, where a modern brewery is at their disposal.
In the abbey’s cheese dairy the monks make their own Trappist cheeses. These are served at the monks’ table and can also be purchased at the abbey gate and from cheese shops and butchers.