Biéreau Farm

Biéreau Farm

The Biéreau farm is located in the oldest part of Louvain-la-Neuve in the southern part of the town.

History

The Biéreau Farm, long ago called Bierwart farm (meaning "beautiful view" from the Wallon "bia" meaning "beautiful" and "rwârt" meaning "view")

This Brabant farm dates back to the 12th century and was the property of the Abbey of Florival for more than 6 centuries.

The coat of arms of Anne Josèphe de la Croix, abbess of Florival from 1733 to 1749, still adorns the main building of the farm and was incorporated in 1991 into the coat of arms of the city where its four St James shells symbolize Louvain-la-Neuve, alongside the symbols of Céroux, Limelette, Ottignies and Mousty.

This coat of arms bears in its center the cross of Saint Benedict, consisting of a circle adorned with a cross, sitting atop the Latin motto: "Crux Mihi Dux", a contraction of "Crux Sit Mihi Dux" (May the cross be my guide). The cross of St. Benedict is decorated with four St. James shells flanked by two tall flowering plants.

In addition, a stone bearing the vintage "Anno 1722" is embedded in the wall of the barn, above a door.

Architecture

The brick and blue stone buildings of the farm are structured in an irregular manner around a large, central, rectangular court. The barn, dated from the 18th century, has a half-timbering structure from the 16th century and its beams date back to the middle of the 16th century. The main body was rebuilt in the 18th century by the Abbess Anne Josèphe de la Croix - her coat of arms embedded in the façade. On the back face, along the length of the Scavée of Biéreau, old pieces of a fortification wall of rough stone and sandstone are still visible.

A Cultural Centre

The Biéreau Farm Cultural Centre and music house was inaugurated in 2005. The splendid renovated and classified barn combines technical machinery with its 300-year-old framework. This cultural center has a technologically up-to-date recording studio, which has hosted various regional groups like Ghinzu and the Girls in Hawaii. Beyond its musical activities, the farm also opens its doors to literary events.

Ferme du Biéreau
Place Polyvalente
Avenue du Jardin Botanique
1348 Louvain-la-Neuve