Park Franciscanessen
International novitiate
From 1895 to 2010, more than 2,000 missionary sisters were trained here to be sent out all over the world. The monastery buildings are surrounded by a patchwork of avenues, meadows and forests. Here and there you will come across religious statues. At the back of the domain is the cemetery of the sisters.
Along the avenues are information boards with the story of the sisters and the domain. An information kiosk was also placed at the cemetery where you can find the history of the domain.
Would you like to take a longer walk? Then also visit the nearby Beersgat!
Role of Kempens Landschap
After the monastery closed its doors, the buildings and the green area were given a new life. Kempens Landschap bought the green area, which has now become a public park. The buildings were transformed into a residential care centre.
Our organisation drew up a landscape management plan in which all management objectives and the vision for the domain are included. The existing heritage is not forgotten either: various statues and the St. Francis Cave were restored. The pond around the cave was also renovated. The works were made possible by various subsidy projects. The park is managed by a permanent green team, and the park is gradually being further upgraded as described in the landscape management plan.