Val-Dieu : The Saint-Jean-Sart Walk

Using the ordnance survey maps of the IGN (National Geographic Institute), the panorama that the walker sees has been sculpted in a 1.5 metre diameter blue stone, with additional bronze details. The whole sculpture weighs more than a ton. This orientation table represents in relief the exceptional panorama that can be seen from the site making it readable by hand, thus also accessible to the visually impaired. Originally, the group “Quality Village of Saint Jean-Sart” had the idea to install a simple wooden orientation table. Eight years later, the project had evolved to be what can be seen today: an orientation table unique in Belgium. There were numerous organisations associated with the realisation of this work : “Qualité-Village-Wallonie », the Community of Aubel , the Institute of Eco-Pédagogie as well as the Laboratory “Surfaces” of the University of Liège The construction of the actual table was the work of Betelgueuse, a collective of artists from Anthisnes. This would not have been possible without the financial support of the Walloon Region, the Tourism Commission and the Community of Aubel.

Founded by the Cistercians in 1216 at the confluent of the Bel and the Berwinne, the Val-Dieu abbey, in its present form, is the sole abbey in Belgium to have survived the French revolution.Apart from a few roman relics, most of the buildings date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The abbey features various items relating to farming activities (brewery, stables, barn and mill) as well as the abbey church rebuilt in the 19th century, which was established as a basilica after the Second World War.Visitors can join a guided visit to discover the key locations of monastery life, such as the chapter house, the refectory, the scriptorium and the abbot's quarters.As skilled farmers, the Cistercians managed to maintain the Val-Dieu site with its splendid park, as an oasis of greenery that is just perfect for attending to the spiritual and cultural system of beliefs that has developed over a period of nigh 800 years.The Courtyard and the Church are always open.