Located in the municipality of La Hupe, Château de La Hulpe was believed to be built in 1842 for the royal family of the region. Designed and built by a team of renowned French and Belgian architects, the castles presented itself as a serene aristocratic accommodation that would etch itself into the history of the region.
The Villers Abbey was founded in the 12th Century for the Cistercian Order and although the abbey is now in ruins you can still discover how the monks lived by going on a walk or tour through the ruins. After you have explored Villers Abbey make sure you visit the gardens. The grounds are based upon how gardens were normally set up for a abbey in the Middle Ages where it was used for medical herbs as well as to create a tranquil space. Take a scenic stroll around the well-designed Square Garden then cross the trellised walkway to the more natural Wild Garden. The Villers Abbey also hosts events, such as plays, exhibitions, and concerts.
Bibliotheca Wittockiana is the only museum in the world that's focused on the art of bookbinding. This unique museum shows how bookbinding has evolved from the Renaissance to modern times. See rare antique books and their unique covers The museum also has rotating exhibitions on related subjects and you can even take a bookbinding workshop. Since this museum is focused on books, naturally it has an impressive onsite library.
Straddling the outskirts of Halle, Hallerbos is an enchanting forest. Dense with oaks, maples and beeches, the forest is also called Blue Forest due to a magnificent natural phenomenon that takes place each spring. Every year between mid-April and end of May, the forest floor becomes carpeted with blossoming hyacinths and bluebells. Picture golden sunlight filtering through the tall Sequoia trees, glistening on the soft bed of green grass, which is interspersed with thousands of bluebells. Many tourists flock the forest every year to witness this stunning visual. Whether you choose to ride a bicycle or take a leisurely stroll, the charming trails here will leave you asking for more.
Venerating Saint Rumbold whose relics are preserved here, the St. Rumbold's Cathedral in Mechelen is an iconic religious site visited by many. The Gothic building consists of an ornate hall and a high turret known as the Saint Rumbold’s Tower. The interior of the church is decorated with stained glass and colorful paintings and sculptures while the tower, with its 49 bells, was designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The view from the tower's skywalk, which reaches till the Atomium in the city of Brussel on a clear day is definitely worth the arduous climb up of 538 steps.