The best city hikes and walks around Neigembos

The Dikken van Pamel is a beacon in Pamel along the Dender river, a mammoth of a landmark.

It's said that a man once passed through Pamel who was so tall and heavy that he defied the boundaries of the ordinary. Victor De Klerck, almost two meters tall and weighing, according to some, up to three hundred kilos, early on became a figure whispered about rather than spoken. On hot summer days, he would slide into the Dender River, and anyone who saw him swore he floated as if the river itself carried him. Passing boatmen carried the story along, and with every bend in the towpath, it became a little more fantastical. On Sundays, he appeared in church, where he needed three chairs—a figure that, generations later, still whispers through the village. And yet, despite his mythical stature, he stubbornly refused every circus director who wanted to exhibit him. As if he knew that some riddles are not meant for the public. Today, his statue stands by the Dender, not as certainty but as a question mark. A quiet reminder that sometimes, only one river flows between fact and fiction.

« Dikken van Pamel » VICTOR DE KLERCQ

Ninove, which acquired city rights in the 14th century, was defended by a castle, a tower, and an earthen rampart, interrupted by four city gates. The gates provided access to the city via the four main approaches: the Brabantse Poort on the road from Brussels, the Geraardsbergse Poort on the road from the city of the same name, and the Kloosterpoort on the road from Aalst. The Koepoort provided access to the Nederwijk (hence also called Nederwijkpoort), the Kouter, and the Dendermeersen. In peacetime, all gates served as housing for the poor, a storehouse for powder and weapons, and a prison. By the end of the 18th century, three of Ninove's four city gates had been demolished. Where they once stood, you now find reminders: a fountain with two turrets (Brabantse Poort), a work of art (Geraardsbergse Poort), and two memorial stones (Kloosterpoort). The Koepoort's survival from demolition likely stems from the fact that it stood least in the way of the city's systematic expansion. The Koepoort, first mentioned in 1397 under the name "Warmoespoort," was completely rebuilt around 1600. It was constructed of sandstone from the quarries of Geraardsbergen and, after its restoration, officially served as the city prison. Because, unlike the other gates, it lacked a drawbridge, an earthen rampart was built around it in times of war. After its function as a city prison, the Koepoort successively housed the city's volunteer fire department and the library. It was then used as a venue for socio-cultural organizations. However, the ravages of time took their toll, and the building required a complete and thorough restoration, both interior and exterior.

This is an interesting statue, it has no head. Located on the edge of Pamel

The Chapel of the Hospital of Our Lady in Ninove is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture, built in 1763. The facade of the chapel is classicist with Baroque elements, including pilasters and a triangular pediment. Inside you will find a communion rail and a wooden altar in late Rococo style, as well as wainscoting from the second half of the 18th century. This chapel is the only remaining part of the former municipal hospital and offers a glimpse of the rich history of Ninove.

Ninove's old town hall, located on Oudstrijdersplein, is a historic building that played a significant role in the city's administrative history. The current building dates from 1834 and was designed by architect Louis Roelandt after the previous town hall was destroyed by fire. The town hall has a rich history dating back to the 14th century, when the original aldermen's house was first mentioned. This building was rebuilt and restored several times, particularly after destruction in the 15th century and a major fire in 1603. The current neoclassical design reflects the style of the 19th century and has been a protected monument since 1976. Inside the town hall, several original elements have been preserved, such as the staircase in the stairwell and a section of the original floor in the reception area. The building is now frequently used for exhibitions of local artists and photography.

Fantastic statue and resting place on the jaagpaad