Discover the Treasures of Brabant’s Monastic Trail

Perched on a hill in the heart of 's-Hertogenbosch, Saint John's Cathedral stands as one of the Netherlands' most magnificent religious landmarks. Built between 1280 and 1550, it originally served as a parish church before becoming the cathedral of the newly founded Diocese of 's-Hertogenbosch in 1559. As the largest cathedral in the country, it boasts breathtaking medieval sculptures, including the renowned Sweet Mother, and awe-inspiring flying buttresses unlike any other in the world. A visit to this Gothic masterpiece, nestled in the city’s vibrant centre, is an unforgettable journey through history and culture—an essential experience for anyone exploring Brabant's capital.

Founded in the Dutch hamlet of Berne, Berne Abbey has endured centuries of war and plundering before settling in Heeswijk in 1857. Unlike monastic communities that seek solitude, the Premonstratensians embrace the world, living by their motto Berna ut lucerna—may Berne spread the light. This openness is reflected in the abbey’s design: no towering walls, just a welcoming driveway and a gate without doors. Known as Vita Mixta, their way of life blends contemplation with engagement in society. A testament to their modern outlook, the abbey now brews and sells its own beer, continuing its mission in a new and meaningful way.

The Franciscan Monastery of St. Anthony of Padua in Megen was founded in 1648 after the Franciscans were expelled from 's-Hertogenbosch. The monks had arrived in Megen in 1645 and completed the monastery in 1653. It housed a Latin school for Catholic boys and served as a refuge for Catholics during religious persecution. The monastery features a Gothic Baroque chapel with a decorated marbled altar and paintings by Everardus Witte, commemorated in a chapel after his death. The Hof van Lof, a cross-shaped garden, represents the four seasons and is open to visitors. The monastery remains active, with volunteers running the garden, and guests can stay there to experience monastic life.

Founded around 1371, the Monastery of Saint Agatha is the oldest continuously inhabited convent in the Netherlands. Once a centre for missionary training, it now houses the Erfgoedcentrum Nederlands Kloosterleven, preserving centuries of monastic heritage. Home to the Order of the Holy Cross, this historic site remains a place of faith, culture, and living history.

Founded in 1807 by Julie Postel, the Congregation of the Sisters of Julie Postel dedicated itself to caring for the sick, educating children, and supporting those in need. In 1897, the sisters settled in Boxmeer, transforming a neglected castle into a hospital and later a nursing facility. Over time, their mission shifted towards missionary work, with branches in Indonesia and the Philippines. Today, the few remaining sisters continue their legacy at Sint Anna residential care centre in Boxmeer, upholding their motto Spes Nostra—our hope.

Gemert Monastery Castle, founded by the Teutonic Order, has a rich religious heritage dating back to the 12th century. Originally an independent religious stronghold, the castle became a spiritual and educational center, housing a Latin school from the 16th century. Over time, it served various religious orders, including the Jesuits and the Spiritans, who resided there until the 20th century. The main building, constructed in 1740, stands on medieval foundations, with the oldest surviving structure—the donjon—dating back to 1548. Today, the castle remains a testament to its centuries-long religious and historical significance.

Built in the early 12th century, Het Boterkerkje sits on the site of an earlier church, possibly dating back to the 5th century, with foundations from the 8th century. Originally a collegiate church, it became too small, and in 1268, a larger church was built nearby, later replaced by St. Peter's Church. After a fire in 1623, the Vrijthof lost its function, and the church was vacant by 1648. From 1664 to 1799, it was used as a butter weighing house, giving it the nickname Boterkerkje. It became a Dutch Reformed Church in 1799 and is now a National Monument of the Netherlands, hosting events and occasional services. The church combines Romanesque and Gothic styles, reflecting its long history.

Koningshoeven Abbey (Abdij Koningshoeven) is a Trappist monastery founded in 1881 in Berkel-Enschot, the Netherlands. Initially established to house monks fleeing religious persecution in France, the abbey struggled financially until 1884, when a brewery was established to support the community. Over the years, the abbey expanded, facing both spiritual and financial challenges. In the early 20th century, the abbey's leadership faced disputes over financial matters, but Dom Simon Dubuisson later helped restore its stability. The abbey also has a significant wartime history, with three monks sent to Auschwitz during WWII. Today, Koningshoeven Abbey remains an active religious community and home to De Koningshoeven Brewery, which continues to produce Trappist beer. The abbey underwent a major renovation in the 21st century and remains a place of spiritual and cultural significance.

The Saint Dionysius Church in Tilburg, also known as the Heikese Church, was originally a barn church in the 't Heike area. The current neo-Gothic church, built in 1838, was once the parish church but was handed over to the Protestants in 1648. It is now part of the De Goede Herder parish. The church is noted for its neo-Gothic design, including a renovated west facade.

The Our Lady Chapel, located along the Beerze River, is a popular pilgrimage site in Brabant. The legend dates back to 1406 when a shepherd found a statue of Mary floating in the river and placed it in an oak tree. When moved to a church, the statue mysteriously returned to the tree, seen as a divine sign to build a chapel. The chapel has been rebuilt several times over the centuries, with a larger stone chapel built in 1606. It was recognized by Rome in 1612, cementing its status as a pilgrimage destination. Despite destruction during Protestant rule in 1649, devotion to Mary continued. The chapel was rebuilt in 1854 and expanded in 1906. Today, the chapel is a national monument, with stained-glass windows depicting historical events, including wartime memories. Volunteers maintain the site, and visitors can light candles at the chapel, which is open daily.