The Black Lady

At the gateway to the green valley of the Molenbeek and the Weesbeek, old folktales, legends and nature come together.
Dark Mary, also known as 'De Zwarte Madam', stands on the edge of the sharp meander of the Molenbeek under an old stately oak tree waiting for your passage. The statue of Mary was placed here by the owner of Balkenmolen castle. Many old folk tales do the rounds. Legends always spark the imagination. For example, there is one legend who claims that voices can be heard here at midnight at this location. The voices or chants would lure visitors 'IN' the Molenbeek, where they eventually drown. The graceful forest damselfly and rare meadow damselfly, which are numerous here in summer, also keep the Black Madam company.
Tip: Don't hesitate to be tempted at this location, but make sure you leave before midnight.
You never know...

She has been there for a long time and would lure people like a siren and make them drown in the Molenbeek. But for me she is a moment to stand still and during this period the beautiful blue dragonflies love the wet environment and streams where she can be found - a pleasure for the nature-loving eye to see them busy. The official version according to the Natuurpunt website: "The black madam is a statue of Our Lady on a high stone pedestal, located on the border with Nederokkerzeel and Erps-Kwerps. There are various legends about this statue. For example, there is the story that voices were audible at this location around midnight. These lured visitors into the Molenbeek, where they drowned. Later, the owners of Balkemolen Castle erected a statue of Mary here." natuurpunt.be/pagina/erfgoed-groene-vallei

Discover the old stories in the dark forest and meet the Black Madame...