The tree of Tjenne

The name "Tjenne" refers to a certain Johanna Machiels from Helshoven, who was accused of witchcraft in 1665 and sentenced to death after a two-year trial in 1667. Her sentence was pronounced at the foot of a giant lime tree at a crossroads of four municipalities: Helshoven, Gotem, Mettekoven and Voort.
Johanna Machiels was burnt at the stake a few hundred metres away, at the highest point of the hill.
From the Tjenne tree you can enjoy a panoramic view of several villages in Heers, Sint-Truiden and Borgloon.