レブベーケの洞窟・トップ20

Simply beautiful castle and forest

The eye-catcher of the Grote Markt is undoubtedly the belfry, which includes the old town hall and the district house. Together, they form a unique historical ensemble. The old town hall, dating from 1225, is the oldest preserved town hall in the Netherlands, recognizable by its high gable roof and round corner towers. The belfry was added in 1407 and is notable for its elegant octagonal tower with an open gallery. Inside, one of the oldest working carillons in the Netherlands hangs, which still resounds through the city every fifteen minutes. The tower has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. On the facade, you can see the motto "Nec spe nec metu" ("without hope, nor fear"), and the statues of the Counts of Flanders and Aalst. The clock face, dating from 1964, earned the tower the nickname "den Tettentoeren" (the Tette Towers) because of its striking shape. The district house, a late Gothic extension, was for centuries the place where the bailiff promulgated laws to the people. Five statues adorn the facade, including Justitia, Emperor Charles V, and Pieter Coecke, court painter and Aalst resident. Today, the city council still meets there monthly.

Drietoren Castle is a beautifully situated country house on a square plan. It has been in the possession of the noble family de Spoelbergh for more than 150 years. According to the facade stone on the entrance side of the castle, it was built in 1786. The castle is surrounded by an English park with exceptional flora, collected by Viscount de Spoelberch during his many foreign travels. The domain also has a coach house, a farm, an ice cellar, a garden house and a chapel. The chapel is located on the edge of the domain against the street side. Source: https://www.londerzeel.be/vrije-tijd-en-toerisme/bezienswaardigheden/kastelen

Overhamme Castle, located in Aalst, has a rich history and interesting architecture. The castle was first mentioned in the 15th century as a possession of the de Bosch family. In the 16th century, the castle was destroyed and then restored. In 1663, the castle was issued as a fief. The castle was depicted in an engraving by Antonius Sanderus in 1644. This engraving shows that the castle had a U-shaped configuration with wings around the forecourt. During the second half of the 18th century, the castle was expanded and the service buildings were given their current shape. In 1796, the castle was used as a hiding place for the monks of the Abbey of Affligem. In 1946, the castle was demolished, but some service buildings from the 18th century were preserved. These buildings have now been converted into homes and a garage. The castle domain also includes a park with a pond and an ice cellar. It is an important heritage in East Flanders and is considered established architectural heritage.

Kasteel Drietoren is a beautifully situated country house on a square ground plan. It has been in the possession of the noble family de Spoelbergh for more than 150 years. According to the facade stone on the entrance side of the castle, it was built in 1786. The castle is surrounded by an English park with exceptional flora, collected by Viscount de Spoelberch during his many foreign travels. The domain also has a coach house, a farm, an ice cellar, a garden house and a chapel. The chapel is located on the edge of the domain against the street side. (Municipality of Londerzeel)

Drietoren Castle is a beautifully situated country house on a square floor plan. It has been in the possession of the noble De Spoelbergh family for more than 150 years. According to the facade stone on the entrance side of the castle, it was built in 1786. The castle is surrounded by an English park with exceptional flora, collected by Viscount de Spoelberch during his many trips abroad. The domain also has a coach house, a farm, an ice cellar, a garden house and a chapel. The chapel is located at the edge of the domain against the street. (Municipality of Londerzeel)

Beautiful view of Hof te Melis. The winter months and spring offer the most beautiful views of the old Hof te Melis. Hof te Melis is a protected landscape due to its scientific, historical, and aesthetic value. It is a castle with a moat. The castle is built in the Neo-Renaissance style. A turbulent historical past... Before the First World War, the castle consisted of a forecourt, surrounded by outbuildings and with access to a courtyard. When the German army entered Lippelo in 1914, the domain was occupied by the invaders. It then came under fire from Fort Bornem. Hof te Melis partially burned down. It was rebuilt in 1920, deviating from the original floor plan. The outbuildings and gatehouse remain intact. At this location, you can thus glimpse a powerful past.

During the preparation of the works, all areas of the castle and the outbuildings were cleared of "disturbing elements", so that the rooms now show their spaciousness of yesteryear in all their glory. Some interesting notes also emerged that provide a unique view of the history of the castle. This is how they came across the signatures of the craftsmen who worked in the castle in the distant past. Source: https://www.berlare.be/