ニールのおすすめMTBライド

The name of this highlight is incorrect. These photos refer to the trail in the Schorre Boom Provincial Domain.

Easy route through De Schorre Boom

Kamiel guards the estate's observation tower, also known as the Magic Tower. From this tower, you can see the skyline of downtown Brussels in the distance, including the spheres of the Atomium. Kamiel is a friendly troll who likes to wear a mask because only then can he speak the language of animals.

Beautiful, quiet spot along the banks of the Scheldt. Well-maintained

Few buildings in the Waasland region hold such a mythical allure as the Graventoren (Counts' Tower) in Rupelmonde. The names associated with it certainly contribute to that. This tower, for example, is the remnant of a moated castle with no fewer than 17 towers, once owned by the Counts of Flanders. This colossal fortress protected the Scheldt River from attackers and conquerors. Mercator's Dungeon Mercator also plays a key role in this story. When he shared his revolutionary insights with the world, he was promptly sent to the dungeon by the church authorities. Guess where that dungeon was located? Exactly, in the cellars of the Graventoren. Here he was imprisoned for seven months, accused of heresy. A Bloody History Mercator, however, was not the only one to enter the cellars of the moated castle. Many dissidents suffered the same fate, and often worse. A stay in the dungeons of the Graventoren (Counts' Tower) often ended with a bloody decapitation. While the Counts of Flanders may have enjoyed legendary status in history, they were certainly not gentlemen. Count Robert of Bethune once even threw his own son in jail here, accused of high treason. A kind of chamber arrest before its time, you might say. At the end of the 17th century, the moated castle came to an end. The fortress was drastically destroyed, and the rubble was reused for other buildings. For example, the church of Rupelmonde was built with materials from the castle ruins.

not special but nice

Unfortunately the tower was not open, but it is still a beautiful site to walk past. A nice surprise and definitely worth taking a detour from your route.

Remains of the 12th century moated castle built by the Counts of Flanders to defend the Scheldt and the Rupel.