Orval Castle

Florenville, Belgium, Belgium

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Orval Castle, better known as Orval Abbey, located in Florenville, Belgium, is a Cistercian monastery founded in 1132 in the Gaume region.

The site has been occupied since the Merovingian period, with early religious activity dating to the 10th century. Initially settled by Benedictine monks in the 11th century, it later became a Cistercian community under Abbot Constantin. The abbey endured multiple hardships, including being burnt down during wars and the French Revolution, but was rebuilt in the 20th century, with monastic life resuming in 1926.

The ruins of the medieval structures remain visitor attractions, alongside the modern abbey, known for its Trappist beer and cheese production. Legend has it that the name Orval ("Golden Valley") comes from a trout appearing with a lost ring, a story reflected in the abbey’s coat of arms. The site combines historical, spiritual, and natural beauty, making it an iconic heritage destination in Belgium.