The best walks and hikes around Zoutleeuw

On the site of the current Sint-Leonardus church, there was a chapel – whose construction date is unknown – in honor of Saint Leonard of Noblac. After this chapel was elevated to a parish church in 1231, it was replaced by the current church, which had a long construction history: the monumental Gothic building was largely erected between the 13th and 16th centuries. The Sint-Leonardus church is rich in art treasures and owes its international fame mainly to them. The Iconoclastic Fury of 1566 and the French Revolution passed by the church without major damage, so that the impressive artistic heritage built up over centuries has largely been preserved: altarpieces, paintings, statues of saints, copper and silverware, vestments, and other devotional objects.

Het Gasthuis der Grauwzusters is a historic building in Zoutleeuw. The former guesthouse was built at the beginning of the 18th century. A new hospital with a church, dedicated to Saint Elizabeth, was built then. This complex was thoroughly renovated between 1840 and 1846 in the classicist style. The wards, the sisters' quarters, and the convent church were housed in one complex. The gate next to the guesthouse provided access to the brewery for its own use. In 1936, the plaster on the front facade was removed. The Grauwzusters moved to their new retirement home in Stationsstraat in 1955. In 1975, the OCMW retirement home was built in the former garden of the Grauwzusters. The Gasthuis is protected as a monument. Source: https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasthuis_(Zoutleeuw)

The Grote Markt of Zoutleeuw forms a beautiful historic setting that recalls the city's medieval wealth. The 16th-century town hall is a rare monument between Gothic and Renaissance. The Cloth Hall was built during the heyday of the wool trade. The Sint-Leonarduskerk is an elegant pearl with an impressive artistic heritage. The Spiegelhuis, with its richly decorated Renaissance facade, also attracts attention. The cozy terraces complete the picture.

Although most chapels are named after the saint for whom they were built, the Bethany Chapel is named after a place name. The biblical place Bethany is said to be the birthplace of Mary Magdalene, the patron saint of the Monastery of Bethany of Zoutleeuw, in whose honor the chapel was erected. The original statue of Mary has disappeared and has been replaced by a statue of Our Lady of Pellevoisin.

The water gate was part of a 3-part dam system where wooden bulkheads could regulate the water level within the city, but also flood the south side of the city as protection against enemy attacks.

Want to get a feel for the life on and around Het Vinne? The observation tower is literally a highlight for birdwatchers and lovers of fauna and flora.

A perfect place to enjoy your nest egg. Here in the landscape, next to the St. Odolphus Chapel, stands the blossom artwork "Het Klokhuis" (The Clock House). This fruity pun is made of corten steel and includes a small bench. In the distance, you can see the tower of the St. Odolphus Parish Church looming. Source: https://www.zoekhetniettever.be/fruitbeeldig-hageland/#klokhuis

On the site of the current St. Leonard's Church stood a chapel—the date of construction of which is unknown—in honor of Saint Leonard of Noblac. After this chapel was elevated to a parish church in 1231, it was replaced by the current church, which had a long construction history: the monumental Gothic building was largely constructed between the 13th and 16th centuries. St. Leonard's Church is rich in art treasures and owes its international fame primarily to them. The Iconoclasm of 1566 and the French Revolution passed the church by without significant damage, thus preserving most of the impressive artistic heritage accumulated over centuries: altarpieces, paintings, statues of saints, copper and silverwork, vestments, and other devout objects. Below, a few of these showpieces are presented. Upon entering, the first thing that catches the eye is the Marianum: this double statue (1533) is situated within the 15th-century veneration of Mary, which depicted the Virgin Mary as the apocalyptic woman and mediatrix of grace. Not-to-be-missed highlight inside: The Sacrament Tower: A tabernacle crafted from white Avesnes stone is undoubtedly the church's showpiece. The artwork was created in the workshops of Cornelis II Floris de Vriendt in Antwerp and erected in Zoutleeuw in 1552. The tower is 18 meters high, has nine stories, and contains approximately 200 statues depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. A replica is on display at London's Victoria and Albert Museum. The Paschal Candlestick This copper candlestick is 5.68 meters high and weighs approximately 950 kg. It was cast by Renier van Thienen, based on a design by Jan Bornam, and installed in the choir by the founder himself in 1483. It is the second-largest Easter candlestick in Europe. Source: https://www.zoutleeuw.be/sint-leonarduskerk