Flône Abbey

In 1075, three lay brothers decided to devote themselves to the religious life and established themselves on land donated by Henry I of Verdun, Bishop of Liège, near the village of Flône.

The site would serve as a convenient resting-place for travelers on the Tongres-Amay-Arlon road, and the lay brothers built a water mill and an oratory dedicated to Saint Matthew.

[1] The relics are visible through small openings; in the modern era this saint is invoked for protection against bicycle and motorcycle accidents[2] and headaches.

Flône acquired a vast domain and the rights associated with its lands, which included various farms and privileges regarding forests and fisheries.

In 1796, control of the abbey was assumed by the French revolutionary authorities; its lands and goods were confiscated and sold to private individuals.

In 1921, the order known as the Ladies of Christian Education (Dames de l'instruction chrétienne) acquired Flône Abbey and made it their principal house.