Groenendael Priory

Groenendael Priory (French: Prieuré de Groenendael, Dutch: Priorij van Groenendaal; meaning, "green valley"; alternate, Gruenendale)[1] is located in the Sonian Forest in the municipality of Hoeilaart in Flemish Brabant, about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) south-east of Brussels, Belgium.

[2] In 1304, an old shooting lodge of Jean II was given to a hermit on condition that after he died, it would go to another religious person who was serving God.

[3] Following this, a community was established at the site around 1343 by three canons who had left the Church of St. Michael and St. Gudula (now Brussels' cathedral), seeking space outside the city, John of Ruysbroeck, Jan Hinckaert and Frank van Coudenberg, which on 13 March 1349 became formalised as a monastery of Augustinian canons.

[5] The monastery became famous during the late 14th century, largely on account of Ruysbroeck's reputation as a spiritual guide and writer, with many people travelling to Groenendaal to visit him.

The importance of Groenendaal at that time was not just on account of the community that formed there, but also for the writings which resulted and had a large influence on later spiritual and mystical thought.

[5] On 7 May 1413, the independent house of Augustinian canons at Groenendaal was absorbed into the Windesheim congregation of the Devotio Moderna.

In 1520, Philip of Cleves erected a palace near the monastic buildings which often served as hunting accommodations for Holy Roman Emperor Charles V; the Infanta Isabella stayed there frequently and also contributed to its embellishment.

It was referred to as a 'useless convent' in 1784; the church and other buildings were sold by Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II and demolished three years later in 1787.

[8] A chapel with two altars, which were built by Ruysbroeck, Coudenberg, Hinckaert, and Jan van Affinghem (the cook), was consecrated in March 1344.