For many people, it is a surprise when they hear that the Trappist Ale ‘La Trappe’ comes from Tilburg’s soil. Here in Tilburg the first Trappist monastery of the world was established. This Trappist monastery is called Abbey Our Lady of Koningshoeven. The origins of the brand name ‘La Trappe’ lies with the founders of the Abbey, the monks of the monastery ‘Notre-Dame de la Grande Trappe’ from French Normandy.
The name “Trappist” is derived from “La Grande Trappe”. The Abbey of Notre Dame de la Grande Trappe belongs to a strict order – ‘Strict Order of Reservance’. This monastic order advocates separation from the world, renunciation of the use of meat, restoration of hands labour, dedication to a life of prayer and penance. One of the most important features is continuous silence. The Trappist order originated from the Order of Cistercians. They were not recognised as an independent order until 1892 under Pope Leo XIII.