Interieur van de Abdij van Averbode before 1901

This photograph of the interior of Averbode Abbey, taken by L. de Lannoy, is found within the pages of a book. The image speaks to the enduring power of religious institutions in shaping cultural identity. Made in Belgium, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century, this photograph reflects the religious revival happening at the time. The architecture is striking, and its representation in a photograph destined for publication suggests an institutional desire to showcase its grandeur and influence. The Roman Catholic Church had a profound impact on the nation’s identity, with abbeys like Averbode serving as centers of spiritual and cultural life. These institutions helped shape social norms, education, and artistic patronage. It is interesting to note, however, that this image is within a book that appears to be a travel guide, suggesting a secularization and commodification of religious spaces as tourist destinations. To fully understand this image, further research into the history of Averbode Abbey and the context of its representation in publications of the time would reveal much more about the intertwining of religion, culture, and institutional power.