The best running trails around Lubbeek

beautiful pond, but there are many of them here in Flemish Brabant

beautiful to see

In recent decades, the large pond has increasingly developed into a place where gentle recreation (walking, jogging, etc.) goes hand in hand with ecology and nature conservation, especially with the Lovenarenbroek, which is now also a nature reserve. The large pond is ideal for birdwatching. There's also a birdwatching hut for this purpose; see https://www.komoot.com/nl-nl/highlight/6933171 But there are, of course, other places to watch the many waterfowl or simply gaze over the pond. If you pay close attention, you're sure to see beaver tracks here and there. And if you have time, occasionally take a look on the other side, with and behind the stream. From this spot, you can see the birdwatching hut, as well as the jetty with the beautiful rest and picnic platform on and over the water.

One of the avenues leading to the abbey, largely preserved over the last two centuries, runs along the Molenbeek stream, just like the Negenbunderspad further east. Poplars have been planted along some of the avenues. This path runs between one of the parking lots of the Kessel-Lo provincial domain and the abbey's Noorderpoort gate, along the stream. It's frequently used and offers beautiful views of the abbey, the Werbeheuvel hills to the northeast, and the meadows and surrounding built-up areas of Kessel-Lo and Linden.

Vlierbeek Abbey is located northeast of Leuven. To the south, it borders the Negenbunders and the Molenbeek valley, which, until the first half of the 20th century, connected to the then-existing part of the Lovenarenbroek. The avenues, the abbey site, and the surrounding fields have largely been preserved over the past two centuries. The priory was founded by the Benedictines of Affligem in 1127. The first monastic buildings were erected from 1158 onwards, and the first church was built in 1170. During the Wars of Religion, the abbey was destroyed. Reconstruction did not begin until 1642. A second building campaign began in 1776, during which only the church and the abbot's quarters were completed. The ruins of the original church tower still exist. The abbey was dissolved in 1796, but thanks to the Concordat, the first monks were able to return in 1801. In 1829, Vlierbeek became an independent parish. The abbey church is a defining feature: a remarkably homogeneous building in the Classical style, a series of geometric volumes devoid of any ornamentation. Adjacent to the church is the cemetery, which is still in use. In the garden adjacent to the church, we still find remains of the cloister, rebuilt in the 17th century. The old abbot's quarters date from the 16th century but have been renovated several times. In the vegetable garden, a 17th-century gazebo with a rococo stucco ceiling still stands, used as a chapel since 1963. Several outbuildings adjacent to the western enclosure wall were converted into private residences in the 19th century. The 18th-century carriage house was also converted into a residence. Farmhouse buildings from the 17th century stand against the northern fence, which originally housed a bakery and brewery. The 17th-century northern gate was originally equipped with a drawbridge, the ironwork of which has been preserved. The western gate with the gatehouse dates from the 16th century. Behind the farm, traces of the Baroque garden and its associated canal system can still be seen. The plot of the former 17th-century parterre garden is still recognizable. Also worth mentioning are the garden belonging to the rectory and the garden near the former coach house, as well as remnants of the 18th-century moated island garden in the northeast corner, remnants of hedges, the old cloister, and the vegetable garden. Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Vlierbeek Abbey Domain, https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/135101

Beautiful in all seasons!

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I don't know why this spot was called the Witch Lilo Amphitheater, perhaps by combining two highlights? What I do know is that Witch Lilo was the artistic alter ego (though not the one) of Hilde Leenaerts, a very sweet childhood friend, and more than that, who passed away far too soon. She cared for troubled young people and was known in Holsbeek and the surrounding area as a superb storyteller who often told stories at Horst Castle. And on the little house near the amphitheater is a text dedicated to that beautiful Hilde, a.k.a. Witch Lilo, which you can learn more about here: https://wordpress.donfabulist.be/nl/lilos-vertelboom/uitvaart-van-goede-heks-lilo/ Enjoy this piece of forest; it is enchanted by the optimism, strength, and wondrous world of an angel in a witch's costume.