As people know, I love unique places to stay. After coming across Abdij Rolduc (Abbey Rolduc), I knew that I wanted to surprise the family with a stay at this impressive abbey, which is the largest abbey in the Benelux region. And I must say that I was pretty curious myself…
Here is a bit of history about Abdij Rolduc. The abbey dates back to 1104 when it was founded when a Dutch clergyman (Albertus of Antoing) and his brothers left the monastery of Tournai. They ended up in modern-day Limburg (a Southern province of the Netherlands) and decided to start a church in 1106. What is now the crypt of the church can be still visited today and you can spy the (possible) remains of Ailbertus within the sarcophagus. The church surrounding it has been renewed a number of times. Later on, the church was built upon and many of the canons became pastors in the surrounding areas. The abbey was not afraid to show its political influence and one of the abbots even convinced Limburg to join the United Dutch States.
The abbot was abolished by the French and the building was briefly abandoned prior to being turned into a property used for coal mining. Starting in the 1800s, the abbey was turned into a Catholic boarding school. Finally, in the post-war period, the abbey was used by monks as a seminary. In recent years, parts of the abbey have been turned into a hotel, where you can stay overnight! So, hence our stay 🙂
One of the highlights of staying at Rolduc Was definitively the Rococo library. The library can only be visited by a guide. But it comes highly recommended. The chapel itself is incredibly impressive and I can honestly say that I spent about thirty minutes just admiring the interior.
With a keepsake crate of beer produced by the monks and some selfmade honey, we went on our way to Maastricht. Unfortunately both Maastricht and Valkenburg were closed off due to the Carnival frenzy. But we ended up savouring ‘high tea’ at the Castle of Ehrenstein and that quite lovely.
It was a lovely weekend with the family. Hopefully next time we will have the chance to visit Maastricht, do some skiing in Landgraaf or visit the Gaia zoo. Because, life is not about what we have. But it is not about what we have in our life, but is is about who we have in it. And at the end of the day, all that really matters is that your loved ones are well, that you have done your best and are thankful for all that you have…
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