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The gatehouse of Tongerlo Abbey forms the monumental entrance to the abbey grounds. Historically, the building served as a checkpoint and reception point for visitors and goods. Architecturally, it aligns with the austere, functional abbey building, with sturdy walls and a clearly defined passageway marking the transition from secular to monastic life.

In De Beeltjens, the star-shaped pattern of the avenues is particularly striking. These avenues were first laid out at the beginning of the 18th century by Jan Philips Eugeen de Merode. The area is also known for its rich variety of coniferous and deciduous trees, which creates a great botanical diversity.

Beautiful abbey church with neo-Gothic elements and many details.

Above the gate are late-Gothic pointed-arch niches with statues of saints by G. Polders and J. Humbeeck from 1992. These depict the patroness Mary (the abbey is dedicated to Our Lady), flanked by Saint Barbara and Saint Catherine. In the passageway are a second profiled basket-handle arch and, on the left, rectangular wall openings, the so-called "poor window" for distributing bread to the needy. The courtyard façade is anchored and shows the sporadic use of sandstone for corner and recess blocks. The windows are arched, and the profiled iron-sandstone basket-arch gate sits beneath a Gothic niche with a trefoil and a statue of Saint Dymphna. A loading hatch is located higher up. (Inventory of Immovable Heritage)

This isn't the main entrance. This entrance immediately leads you past the old sheepfold (later a cowshed), the old abbey farm (built in 1640), and the old washhouse (built in 1640).

Don't hesitate to enter this abbey. The large courtyard is surrounded by various buildings that you can explore at your leisure. You can also visit a permanent exhibition, open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

A very characteristic feature of De Beeltjens is the star-shaped pattern of the avenues. The first avenues were laid out in the early 18th century by Jan Philips Eugeen de Merode. De Beeltjens are especially known for their wide variety of coniferous and deciduous trees. (Nature and Forest)

The Asberg is the highest point in Westerlo, a 24-meter-high sand dune. Rumors circulate that the hill was once used as a cemetery. Evidence of this was found when part of the hill was excavated in 1860. Urns containing ashes from cremations were unearthed. Other rumors tell the story of the Elves (Alfen) who once lived here, which is why the hill is also called the Alverberg. (Visit DeMerode)