The best cycling routes around Bekkevoort

The city park originated here after doctor Henri Verstappen bequeathed his house and garden with the witness hill and associated grounds to the city council in his will. From 1939, upon the death of Henri Verstappen, the city of Diest came into possession of this domain. Due to the war, the park's development only began in 1948. Henri Verstappen had stipulated that his residence on Graanmarkt should serve as the main entrance to the park. The house was demolished and replaced by a neoclassical entrance gate with four statues on top, originating from the North Station on Rogierplein in Brussels. In 1952, the gate building with a commemorative plaque was inaugurated. At the top of the hill are the foundations of the castle of Diest, erected by Otto I, lord of Diest, in the third quarter of the 11th century. It was a keep made of iron sandstone with stables surrounded by a moat. The castle was demolished in 1512 and the stones from the castle were used for the construction of the Sint-Sulpitius Church in Diest. In the 16th century, the Count of Nassau had plans to build a new castle on the Warande, but these were never carried out. In the 1950s and 1960s, the De Warande sports stadium and the De Warande municipal swimming pool were built.

The Saspoort (also called Demerpoort) in Diest is a historic hydraulic engineering heritage site from 1841. The complex includes a unique fan sluice and the Grote Steunbeer, designed to supply the city walls with water and control floods. VMM is working on restoration to allow the Demer to flow through the city in a controlled manner again.

Opposite the entrance to the Halve Maan stands the Lindenmolen. an old windmill. It used to grind in Assent and on the Doodsberg in Schaffen. The last generation of millers donated the mill to the city of Diest and since then it has been standing here to show off.

The name and origin of the Halve Maan in Diest date back to the 19th century. The area originated as a military defense work (a lunette or ravelin with a crescent-shaped structure) that was part of the defense belt to protect the city. On May 5, 1961, the location officially opened its doors as an outdoor swimming pool and recreational area.

Opposite the entrance to the Halve Maan stands the Lindenmolen. an old windmill. It used to grind in Assent and on the Doodsberg in Schaffen. The last generation of millers donated the mill to the city of Diest, and since then it has stood here in splendor.

Staircase-like art...

The museum keeps alive the memory of the Battle of the Silver Helmets, which took place on August 12, 1914, in Halen. It was the last major battle at cavalry division level and the only Belgian victory over German troops without Allied help during WWI. On an impressive 30 m² model, you can follow the course of the battle. You will discover a unique collection of authentic items, such as colorful uniforms, paintings by front-line painter James Thiriar, the diary of Arthur Brühe, testimonies (video montage), and of course the famous 'Silver Helmets'. Opening hours: May 1st to October 31st / Wednesday to Sunday / 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Guided tours are only possible by appointment.

The tourist office has moved to Isabellaplein 1A.