Aulne Abbey.
In a green valley near Thuin, Belgium, Aulne Abbey stands as a hauntingly beautiful reminder of medieval grandeur. Founded in the 7th century by Saint Landelin, a converted brigand turned monk, the abbey originally served as a place of solitude and prayer. Over the centuries, it evolved from a Benedictine monastery into a flourishing Cistercian abbey, known for its intellectual influence and the serene landscapes of its gardens.
However, Aulne’s prosperity also invited hardship. It was repeatedly plundered and set ablaze during the Middle Ages but rose each time, transforming into a rich religious center by the 18th century. This enduring legacy met its tragic end during the French Revolution when invading forces reduced it to ruins, leaving behind the skeletal beauty of Gothic arches and ivy-draped stone walls. Today, the ruins of Aulne Abbey are a silent testimony to its former splendor, echoing the rise, resilience, and fall of a place that once thrived in the Belgian countryside.
