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The most beautiful cycling routes in Limburg

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mining memorial

Culture and heritage
Houthalen-Helchteren colliery

Artwork in honor of the community's miners.
With this work of art, the municipality wishes to pay a fitting tribute to the mining past.

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Location

Centrum-Zuid 1111, 3530 HOUTHALEN-HELCHTEREN

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Greenville, cleantech dienstencentrum - Voorgevel Greenville

Greenville

The former main building of the Kempen coal mines in Houthalen-Helchteren has been transformed into a cleantech service center for sustainable energy.
Visitors can learn about Limburg's mining past and future in the fields of energy and materials.

Cultuurcentrum Casino - Cultuurcentrum Casino

Cultural Center Casino

This crowning piece of Isia Isgour's work on Meulenberg was designed in the 1950s and was then one of the most modern theaters. Far beyond the provincial borders, it was known for its good acoustics and modern equipment. In 1973, the Casino became the property of the municipal government, which immediately began to revalue the complex with the goal of turning it into a community cultural center. Meanwhile, the social function of the center is undeniable: it is the meeting place, a melting pot for all cultures.

Directeurswoning - Directeurswoning

The director's residence

The director's residence is the largest villa in the Meulenberg district and was built by mine director Achille Ampe. Not so much as a prestige project but rather for practical reasons. After all, he had no fewer than 12 children! The house is surrounded by a huge garden. At the beginning of 1941, the director's house was move-in ready and the director was able to settle there permanently with his family. However, their stay in the villa was short-lived because, after the director's death in 1943, the family was obliged to move. The later directors Alphonse Soille and Robert Deltenre, upon their appointment, as director-gerant of the coal mine also moved into the villa.

Now it is a boarding school for secondary school students (Houthalen Boarding School).

TiKB/mijnschool - 1

TiKB

Originally, it was intended as a training school for young miners.
Today it is a service centre, which houses the Centre for Adult Education, among other things.

Nieuw Administratief Centrum (NAC) - NAC

NAC (New Administration Center)

In Houthalen-Helchteren the past goes hand in hand with the future. As symbols of two major periods, they stand out over our community: the pit heads and the New Administrative Centre (NAC), which has even made it onto the list of ‘100 places in the world that you just have to see’.

This futuristic and at the same time sober, ecological and extremely functional building is located on the old mining site and houses among others the municipal services, the OCMW (Social Service Department), the library, VVV-Toerisme and the police. The observation point on the roof of the building's blue tower, an artistic spot with an extensive view over this community and the region, is called ‘het Oog van Daubechies’ ('the eye of Daubechies').

This tower is named after a resident of Houthalen-Helchteren: Ingrid Daubechies. In the stairway enclosure you will find more information on her brilliant and famed mathematical formulas.

De Tomp - De Tomp

The Tomp van Grevenbroe

The Tomp van Grevenbroek rises lonely and mysteriously from the low-lying marshy and wooded nature reserve. The word ‘Tomp’ originates from the Dutch dialect 'teump', which simply means ‘tip’ or 'point'.
For a long time it was thought that the Tomp van Achel was the remaining tower of a castle. New research (1991-2002) revealed that the former medieval ‘tomp’ ruin, restored in 1967-1968 as a motte tower, was originally a stone windmill; technically a tower mill. It was probably built at the beginning of the 15th century. In 1596, the mill was damaged by a storm, but was repaired. However, prior to 1630, it was decommissioned and replaced by a post mill at another site in Achel. The mill tower is now located in a forest (a protected landscape), but unfortunately cannot be visited.

The Celtic Art Gallery VZW - Folkfestival Ham

Celtic Art Gallery

ASBL The Celtic Art Gallery is an independent and contrarian arts center with humor. Here you can enjoy both art/culture and a drink.

Herdenkingspark - Monumentenpark

Memorial park

Since 2004, the municipality of Ham has had an official memorial park. This site, around the themes of war and violence, brought together all the war memorials of the boroughs. The park also houses a permanent display of some collection pieces of the Royal Museum of the Army and Military History.

Onze Lieve Vrouw Geboortekerk Ham - Onze Lieve Vrouw Geboortekerk

Onze Lieve Vrouwe Geboortekerk Ham

The church tower is the oldest in the country. The lower, stone section dates back as far as the 10th century. On 11 May 1940, the church burned down completely and was only rebuilt 16 years later. Only the church tower survived the fire and thus still consists of the material used in the year 900: ironstone.

Sint-Lambertuskerk, 's-Gravenvoeren - kerkplein 's-Gravenvoeren

St. Lambertus church, 's-Gravenvoeren

's-Gravenvoeren is a ribboned village along the Voer River. The houses have their own footbridge. The church, presbytery and several farms date from the Austrian period. Most of the grave crosses against the exterior wall of the church are 18th century. A beautiful spot is the square Kinkenberg. In the hamlet of Schophem is the Steenbos Chapel. The chapel was built with excavated materials. There are two castles: Altenbroek and Ottegraven.

Leyssensmolen - Leyssensmolen

Leyssensmolen

Coming to Lommel on a city trip? Then make sure the centuries-old Leyssensmolen is on your to-do list. This important attraction is a corn mill with a very colourful history, and you can take that quite literally. Each year the mill is decorated for the Molenfeesten, or Mill Festivities.

After being built in Olmen in 1797, the 26 tonne Leyssensmolen went on to be relocated no less than three times! Its sails now soar in Kattenbos, where you can relax on the lawn or the picnic benches around it. Keen to discover more of the mill’s secrets? Look no further! During the open days, passionate millers will show you how the mill works and tell you more about its history.

Tip: after your visit, be sure to pick up a bag of traditionally ground flour to take home!

Kerk van Wilderen met bezoekerscentrum in toren - Kerk van Wilderen

Church of Wilderen with visitor centre in towe

In the lively village centre of Wilderen (with brewery-distillery and cycling route through the fruit region) you will find this beautiful church surrounded by an old cemetery. The rectangular, Romanesque tower is said to date back to 1150. This (defensive) west tower possesses an exceptional constricted hipped saddle roof crowned with two crosses. During construction, dark quartzite blocks (from Tienen) were alternated with light Gobertan stone. This technique is rather typical of Brabant, showing that Wilderen is on the border of the Brabant and South Limburg traditions.
In 1858, the narrow Romanesque nave was replaced by a neo-classical hall church in brick. The stained-glass windows with rich iconography were donated by local families in the period between 1909 (choir) and 1925 (nave).
The church tower has recently been restored and in the tower there is a new visitor centre around the history and life around the church tower and also its relationship with Duras Castle. Guided visit to the tower by appointment.

Kasteel van Nonnemielen - 1

Castle of Nonnemielen

This castle stands on the site of the former Benedictine abbey of Nonnemielen. The neoclassical castle dates from around 1850 and consists of a mansion and an 18th-century gatehouse.

Sint Aldegondiskerk - Sint-Algondiskerk

Sint-Aldegondis church

Listed as a monument, this little church in Meuse Gothic style is a real gem. Built in marlstone around 1500, St Aldegondis Church is the only one of its kind in Belgium. Although no worship services have been held there since 1932, this church is definitely worth a visit. Spurred on by the Sint-Aldegondiskring, the building was restored in 1974. Now the monument serves as a seminary and exhibition space.

To be visited by appointment.

Munthuis - Munthuis

Munthuis

The name of this late Gothic burgher house is actually based on a misnomer. In fact, the medieval mint workshop that was transferred to this street in the 14th century was located across the street from this building. Nevertheless, this name will remain associated with this building for eternity.

Galerie de Bottelarij - Galerie de Bottelarij

Gallery "de Bottelarij"

Gallery de Bottelarij was founded with a very concrete art concept: an interaction between "established artists" upstairs in the gallery and "promising talent" in the visitor areas downstairs.

We strive for a very varied range of art where sculptures, paintings and graphic techniques can be discovered, every month. With no less than 24 exhibitions per year, no month is the same and there is always something to discover in the field of art.

Gallery de Bottelarij is housed in a renovated bottling plant section of the old brewery of Ulbeek, located on the authentic village square in Ulbeek, a borough of Wellen. The exhibition rooms are located on the upper floor.

Eetcafé and Orangerie are located on the ground floor and offer space for promising talent.

The courtyard is the perfect location for the presentation of sculptures.

Every first and last Sunday of the month you can enjoy a delicious artist's breakfast.

Romaans Kerkje Wintershoven - winterhoven

Romanesque church of Wintershoven

This Romanesque church is one of the first Christianization sites in Haspengouw. Saint Amand founded a church and monastic community here in 647. Inside you will discover the relics of the Wintershoven saints, a unique Celtic sacrificial altar and a roll-out pulpit.
In 2020, the church was restored, and the pulpit was put away. At the moment, all visitors can admire the moving pulpit again.

Keizerszaal - keizerszaal 2

Emperor’s Hall

Abbot Quarters

Enter the gate in the Diesterstraat and cross the courtyard. On your left are the 18th Century Abbot Quarters. The Emperor’s Hall was the Abbot’s reception room. The ceiling paintings are by the Italian master G.A. Caldelli and refer to abbot Jozef van Herck. The communal archives are now situated on the first floor.

Open from April 1 till October 31, only during the weekends from 02:00 PM till 05:00 PM. Closed from November 1 till March 31.

Museum Langers Lanz-Bulldog hof - Langers Lanz-Bulldog hof

Museum Langers Lanz-Bulldog Hof

At this museum of antique tractors, you will find an impressive collection of restored and formatted Lanz-Bulldog brand tractors from the first half of the 20th century. In addition, the museum also contains a well-preserved collection of agricultural machinery and implements, which can be powered by some stationary primitive engines.

Children can learn old crafts such as cow milking or spinning jump ropes. The museum makes the link between the present and the past with the cabbage seed mobile.

Open: Accessible by appointment only, €2 per person (2-hour tours)

Lakenmakerstoren - Lakenmakerstoren

Sheet makers’ Tower

Each guild in Tongeren was responsible for maintaining and defending 1 of the medieval wall’s 13 towers. One of the towers to survive over the centuries is Lakenmakerstoren, the sheet makers’ tower. This picturesque tower is part of the defence wall along the river Jeker, between Kastanjewal and Sint-Ursulastraat. This semi-circular construction mainly consists of silex, a material from the original Roman wall.

Klaaskensmolen - Klaaskensmolen Neeroeteren

the water mills: Klaaskens mill

Built in 1548, this oilseed mill is still a very interesting visit. Extended in 1916 to become the only saw mill powered by water in Flanders, the mill has now been restored to its original conditions.Take the guided tour to see planks sawed in the tradional way.

NAC-toren - Aanduiding NAC-toren

Climb up the NAC-tower (New Administration Center)

This futuristic and at the same time sober, ecological and extremely functional building is located on the old mining site and houses among others the municipal services, the OCMW (Social Service Department), the library, VVV-Toerisme and the police. The observation point on the roof of the building's blue tower, an artistic spot with an extensive view over this community and the region, is called ‘het Oog van Daubechies’ ('the eye of Daubechies').

This tower is named after a resident of Houthalen-Helchteren: Ingrid Daubechies. In the stairway enclosure you will find more information on her brilliant and famed mathematical formulas.

Climb up this tower and enjoy a 360 ° view.
You get an entrance card and a binoculars at the Tourist Office by showing your ID-card.

Children are only admitted under the supervision of an adult.

Sint-Janskerk - Sint-Janskerk

Sint-Janskerk

Besides the Basilica of Our Lady and the defunct Church of St. Nicholas, this is the third parish church. Founded by the tanners and dedicated to their patron saint, St. John. The oldest remains of the church building are from the mid-12th century.

Sint-Pietersbandenkerk - Sint-Pietersbandenkerk

Sint-Pietersbanden Church

Sint-Pietersbanden Church transports any visitor to the heavens. Just a glance at this protected monument instantly reveals the different centuries in which the church was built: the neo-Gothic nave fits in nicely with the late-Gothic church tower. You can enjoy the carillon concerts here every Wednesday afternoon.

The church tower was built around 1480 as a proud testimony to a prosperous town. But the thanks goes to the sheep, because it was the annual proceeds from the local wool trade that financed the church tower, soon earning it the nickname the ‘wool tower’. In total it is 40 meters tall, with a 17 meters tall spire and has 57 marlstone masks. The church building is a little younger, from around 1900-1903, and is known for the interior decoration by Vincent Lenertz: the monumental organ, the stained glass windows by Gust Ladon and restored murals by Adolphe Tassin depicting the life of Peter, the saints and the angels.

Middeleeuwse Omwalling - Middeleeuwse muur 11de Novemberwal

Medieval wall

During the Middle Ages, the dukedom of Brabant had its sights set on Tongeren. Frequent attacks and the ruinous state of the 4th century Roman wall, meant that there was urgent need of a new city wall. Building works commenced in 1241 and continued for the next 50 years.
The new medieval city wall with 6 gates and 13 towers enclosed a city of 54 hectares, the equivalent of around 100 football fields. The best preserved pieces are near Elfde Novemberwal and Leopoldwal.

Sint-Gilliskapel - Sint-Gilliskapel

Sint-Gillis church

Small hall church in an early 18th century Baroque style with a 13th century Gothic west tower in Meuse Gothic. This location used to be an important place of pilgrimage in honour of the emergency saint Saint Gilles

Begijnhof - Begijnhof Tongeren

the beguinage of Tongeren

Beguines were living in Tongeren even before 1239. These women, who did not want to choose between marriage and the nunnery, established a home for themselves at a walled site at the Moeren Gate. These ‘spinsters’ built an independent life for themselves in the Sint-Catharina Beguinage.
A city within the city
At its zenith in the 18th century the beguinage consisted of 300 beguines living in 100 houses. But this all changed in 1798 during the turbulent period unleashed by the French Revolution. The beguinage was expropriated and several houses and walls were integrated into the city. Today the cobblestoned streets, picturesque courtyards, beguine houses and religious buildings of Tongeren’s beguinage still exude an air of tranquillity. No wonder that this enchanting ‘miniature city within a city’ is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Château de la Motte - Chateau de la Motte

Chateau de la motte

This romantic 17th-century castle welcomes you with open doors. Here you can enjoy a tasty lunch or dine like royalty at very reasonable prices. There is also a wide selection of local beers. The terrace by the moat offers a stunning view of the estate.

Spoorwegviaduct - spoorwegviaduct

Railwayviaduct

The railway viaduct dominates the villagescape of Sint-Martens-Voeren. The viaduct spans the Voer Valley and is part of the railway connection Antwerp-Tongres-Aachen. The railway line was built in the First World War. Two kilometres further on, at the hamlet of Veurs, the railway line enters a tunnel that, at 2130 metres, is the longest in Belgium. Since 1958, only goods trains have used the line. In Remersdaal, the railway viaduct also occupies an important place in the landscape.

Het Molenhuisje - molenhuisje

Mill House

For over 100 years, the Mill House stood in the shadow of the Sterm Mill. It served as a warehouse, residence and mechanical grinding shop. The surprising new interpretation of the Mill House introduces you to the incredibly fascinating mill history.

Beeldentuin Staf Timmers - Beeldentuin Staf Timmers

Sculpture garden 'Staf Timmers'

Besides being a painter and sculptor, Staf Timmers is also a passionate gardener who has turned his garden into a true work of art.
You walk there from one surprise to another, full of idyllic nooks and crannies, with first a park with tall trees, only to immerse yourself in a maze of art and nature. It is not just a sculpture park, but a garden, where each sculpture has its own place. Art and nature form an expressive and organic unity there.
You can also just walk into his studio and see how an idea grows from a design in wax to a monumental work of art in bronze, or how a simple sketch inspires the creation of a mature expressive painting.

Also accessible by appointment!

Politie- en Motormuseum - Politie- en motormuseum

Policemuseum

In this museum you will find a large collection of police and gendarmerie uniforms through the years and everything related to them. Old motorcycles are also part of it. Belgian legendary brands such as Gillet, FN and Sarolea are not missing. Most of them date from the first half of the last century.

Of course, there is much more to discover in Pierre Thijs' museum. If you want to visit, you can always do so on request.
Take a look at Pierre's own website: www.bloggen.be/rijkswachtmuseum/

Moerenpoortmuseum - Moerenpoort

Moerenpoort

During the Middle Ages, you could enter or leave Tongeren through one of its six city gates. Unfortunately, only one gate, Moeren Gate, built in 1379 is still intact. It has been converted into a museum on Tongeren’s military history. Visitors to this robust tower are rewarded with a fabulous panoramic view of the beguinage and city centre.

Basiliek van Kortenbos - Basiliek van Kortenbos 2

Basilica of Kortenbos

Popular place of pilgrimage. The 17th century church is sober on the outside, but ornately decorated with baroque woodcarvings on the inside. Free entrance.

Bruegel. De grote ontsnapping - Bruegel. De grote ontsnapping

Bruegel, the graet escape.

Ten creatures from the works of Pieter Bruegel entrench themselves in the Peerse Sint-Trudokerk. They are part of the exhibition 'Bruegel. The great escape'.
Pieter Bruegel and Peer ... It's a great story, even if the last point has not yet been made. The facts: Bruegel died in Brussels in 1569. Exactly how old he was then and, more importantly, where he was born, remain unclear for now. There are several theories, including the conclusions of several historians who are convinced that the world-famous painter was born in Grote-Brogel (Peer).

HOME IN PEER
Whatever the case: Peer has had his possibly most famous son in his arms and heart for many years. Even more than 450 years after his death, Bruegel is never far away in Peer. With the Bruegel Museum, the Bruegel cycle route and the walking route with Bruegel games, Peer already counts several experience projects around the painter. The project 'Bruegel. The great escape' is a new pearl in the Bruegel crown. This experiential quest was set up in 2019 in the Kapelle Church in Brussels where Bruegel is buried. In 2021, the exhibition will come home to Peer, in the Church of St. Trumbo. Bruegel was one of the first painters where the landscape became a full part of the painting, but more so he is known for his irony, mockery of man and his weaknesses. Aptly symbolized by all sorts of bizarre creatures and characters that populate his works.

TEN CREATURES IN THE CHURCH
In the exhibition, ten creatures escape from the paintings of the Flemish Master. They come together to honor the man who painted them, and they hide behind corners and sides in St. Trumbo Church. Visitors to the exhibition, with a brochure in hand, set out on a search for the ten creatures in the church. The assignment is simple: look carefully around the church, because just as in Bruegel's paintings, a completely different world opens up.

Paaltje - Paaltje As

Small post in the Driebanken forest

'In the Driebanken forest, for those who look carefully, there is a small post with the inscription: AD - SA - 51. The inscription stands for: 'André Dumont Sous Asch'. The post is thus a concession post and was used as a vertex for underground mining. In Ash itself, no mine eventually came because the then municipal government chose to remain an agricultural municipality.'

Tevhid Moskee - Tevhid Moskee

Tevhid Mosque

In 1964 the Turkish miners gathered on the Paul Lambertlaan in a wooden barrack. Now there is a beautiful building with minaret here. This is a tower from which the imam calls the faithful to prayer. At the back of the mosque you see a bulge. This is the niche in which the Imam stands for leading the prayers. This niche faces east, in the direction of Mecca.

Sint-Pieterskerk - Sint-Pieterskerk

St Peter's Church

Rheno-Masonic architecture on Naamsesteenweg, built around 1180-1190. The cross-vaulted vaulting is said to be the oldest such construction in Belgium. Noteworthy are the 12th-century Romanesque baptismal font and the tombstone of abbot Wiric (1180).

Trudopas - Trudopas Abdijtoren

Trudo Pass

Visit 7 monuments with 1 key-pass!
Do you want to visit the several historical buildings, using only one ticket? It is possible! With a TRUDO pass you can visit 7 monuments every day. You can buy the Trudo pass at the tourist office.

The Trudo pass is a flyer with a small city plan where all the sights are marked on. All monuments have a short description in the flyer so you can learn more about there background. With the unique code you can enter all monuments during 2 days, till 05:00 PM.

Windmolen van Kaulille - windmolen

Windmill of Kaulille

This small ground-sailer is a nice little mill. Together with the miller's house, which is as old as the mill, it forms an attractive whole.
The windmill is a ground-sailer with a 24-metre wingspan. The sails on the sails are stretched from the ground. There are two pairs of stones, or millstones: one used to grind grain for consumption, the other for buckwheat.

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