The best traffic-free bike rides around Tienen

On the site of the current Sint-Leonardus church, there was a chapel – whose construction date is unknown – in honor of Saint Leonard of Noblac. After this chapel was elevated to a parish church in 1231, it was replaced by the current church, which had a long construction history: the monumental Gothic building was largely erected between the 13th and 16th centuries. The Sint-Leonardus church is rich in art treasures and owes its international fame mainly to them. The Iconoclastic Fury of 1566 and the French Revolution passed by the church without major damage, so that the impressive artistic heritage built up over centuries has largely been preserved: altarpieces, paintings, statues of saints, copper and silverware, vestments, and other devotional objects.

Although most chapels are named after the saint for whom they were built, the Bethany Chapel is named after a place name. The biblical place Bethany is said to be the birthplace of Mary Magdalene, the patron saint of the Monastery of Bethany of Zoutleeuw, in whose honor the chapel was erected. The original statue of Mary has disappeared and has been replaced by a statue of Our Lady of Pellevoisin.

This church was built in 1843 according to the design of A. van Arenbergh. However, it is no longer used for worship services. The municipality is still looking for a new purpose.

This Church of Our Lady in Vertrijk, a sub-municipality of Boutersem, is a mixture of styles. The tower is built in Romanesque style. The Gothic choir and transept were built in the 15th and 16th centuries, partly in front of and partly over the existing 14th-century Gothic church. The 18th-century Classicist nave, built by the abbey of Villers, replaces the remaining part of the first 14th-century Gothic church. In the interior, besides original Baroque altars, a number of 17th-century paintings are notable. Paneling, pulpit, and confessionals are 18th-century. The current sacristy from 1906 replaces a 17th-century one. The church and the surrounding graveyard are protected as a monument. (Knooppunter)

Beautifully restored, picturesque church. Apparently the only church in Boutersem still used for its original purpose. Nice cobblestone path to the Orchid meadow a little further on.

On the site of the current St. Leonard's Church stood a chapel—the date of construction of which is unknown—in honor of Saint Leonard of Noblac. After this chapel was elevated to a parish church in 1231, it was replaced by the current church, which had a long construction history: the monumental Gothic building was largely constructed between the 13th and 16th centuries. St. Leonard's Church is rich in art treasures and owes its international fame primarily to them. The Iconoclasm of 1566 and the French Revolution passed the church by without significant damage, thus preserving most of the impressive artistic heritage accumulated over centuries: altarpieces, paintings, statues of saints, copper and silverwork, vestments, and other devout objects. Below, a few of these showpieces are presented. Upon entering, the first thing that catches the eye is the Marianum: this double statue (1533) is situated within the 15th-century veneration of Mary, which depicted the Virgin Mary as the apocalyptic woman and mediatrix of grace. Not-to-be-missed highlight inside: The Sacrament Tower: A tabernacle crafted from white Avesnes stone is undoubtedly the church's showpiece. The artwork was created in the workshops of Cornelis II Floris de Vriendt in Antwerp and erected in Zoutleeuw in 1552. The tower is 18 meters high, has nine stories, and contains approximately 200 statues depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. A replica is on display at London's Victoria and Albert Museum. The Paschal Candlestick This copper candlestick is 5.68 meters high and weighs approximately 950 kg. It was cast by Renier van Thienen, based on a design by Jan Bornam, and installed in the choir by the founder himself in 1483. It is the second-largest Easter candlestick in Europe. Source: https://www.zoutleeuw.be/sint-leonarduskerk

The lookout tower is literally a highlight you can't miss. From the top, you'll not only enjoy stunning views but also discover a wealth of stories and knowledge about the Brabantse Wouden.

7 centuries old, but still beautiful...