Argenton abbey

The old Cistercian abbey Notre-Dame d’Argenton (listed building) was founded in 1229 by a religious community from Grandval (Balâtre) at the request of Guillaume, lord of Harenton (Harton). Rebuilt almost entirely in the 18th century, the buildings are still in place, apart from the cloister and the brewery. After the convent was abolished in 1796 it became a farm. The buildings are built according to the Meuse Valley tradition, using bricks and bluestone. Designed by the Namur architect Maljea, the abbey church is characterised by a trefoil plan form. The gatehouse is flanked by two towers. The Harton mill (listed building) was referred to in gifts of property to Argenton abbey in 1229. It was a flour mill, a twister and ended up as a cutlery workshop from the late 19th century until 1929. A property of Argenton abbey it was rebuilt in 1741 and restored in 1992. Built in 1846 the neo-gothic style St. Roch parish church is clad in brick and bluestone with a slate pitched roof. Before the church was built, the people of Lonzée went to the services at Gembloux, where their dead were buried.