Red Monastery: where the prior walks and the city disappears

On the edge of the Sonian Forest, where the city gradually gives way to silence and nature, lies the Red Monastery—a place steeped in history and charm. This unique spot is not only a gateway to the forest, but also a harmonious blend of architecture, woods, and nature, creating an enchanting landscape close to the city.

Since the second half of the 14th century, the canons of the Order of Saint Augustine lived here. The monastery walls once enclosed the entire domain—and today they are still partially visible, as are the old buildings and outbuildings of the former monastery. Today, the Red Monastery is once again an inspiring and lively place where heritage, nature, and culture meet. An unmissable oasis on the outskirts of the city!

One of the most striking buildings on the site is the priory, the oldest part of the monastery, built between the 14th and 15th centuries. After standing empty for twenty years, this valuable piece of heritage has recently been given a new lease of life thanks to a thorough restoration. The work, which began in 2019 on the initiative of the Brussels Region, was carried out by the architectural firms Origin and LD2. They faced considerable challenges: structural instability, heritage restrictions, and ecological requirements, such as the protection of bats in the attic.