The best running trails 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.

On the site of the current Sint-Leonarduskerk, there was a chapel – the construction date 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 erected between the 13th and 16th centuries. The Sint-Leonarduskerk is rich in art treasures and owes its international fame primarily to them. The Iconoclasm in 1566 and the French Revolution passed by the church without major damage, meaning that the impressive art heritage built up over centuries was largely preserved: altarpieces, paintings, statues of saints, copper and silverware, vestments, and other devotional objects.

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 The original statue of Mary has disappeared and has been replaced by a statue of Our Lady of Pellevoisin.

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.

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

With its small size and rural location in the Hageland region, Zoutleeuw resembles a village, but its architectural heritage testifies to a grand past. Zoutleeuw's Grote Markt (Great Market Square) is a true gem. The Gothic town hall, built between 1530 and 1538, is clearly influenced by the burgeoning Renaissance. The adjacent Cloth Hall still bears witness to Zoutleeuw's prosperity and its important trading position. Come discover Zoutleeuw for yourself.

Slow down and enjoy. In some areas, the reeds have been cut, and you have a beautiful view of Het Vinne.