The iron sandstone formations you see here in the Hageland were created when the "Diestiaan Sea" formed large sandbanks. About 5.4 million years ago, this sea withdrew in a short time, causing the water level in our regions to drop and the sandbanks to suddenly become exposed. The sand of the Diestian Sea contained a high percentage of the mineral glauconite, which consists partly of iron. The grains of sand clump together and the iron oxidized: the iron sandstone was born. The Diestiaan Hills give Hageland its character. In prehistoric times they were used as a viewpoint, as shown by archaeological finds on the Beninksberg in Rotselaar. The Romans used the iron sand stones to build their wine cellars. Everywhere you look in North Hageland, the rusty brown color of iron sandstone pops up. In the hollow roads, on hill slopes, in churches, castles and garden wall. The strong plaice were only available so the Hagelanders eagerly made use of it. The larger stones were mined in quarries and processed in stately buildings, churches and towers such as the Maiden's Tower van Zichem.