Groot-Bijgaarden can be explored through several distinct cultural themes: Sint-Wivina Abbey and its garden features, the architectural history of Kasteel van Groot-Bijgaarden, and architectural details at Pampoelhuis. In spring, Floralia Brussels adds an annual flower exhibition. A visit can therefore focus on abbey history, architecture and a seasonal event. A route through the town centre also offers a way to explore Groot-Bijgaarden.
Abbey and Garden
Sint-Wivina Abbey, also known as the Abbey of Groot-Bijgaarden, is a protected heritage complex. The protected site includes the priest's house, gatehouse and farmstead, as well as the foundation remains of the abbey church, the cloister, the infirmary and the surrounding wall. The more distant Sint-Wivina Chapel is also part of it. The protected site therefore includes both archaeological remains and various buildings and areas of the abbey grounds.
The original grounds within the walls still feature the typical elements of an abbey garden: a vegetable garden, an orchard, greenhouses and fishponds. These are fed by the Molenbeek, which flows past. The garden areas and water supply are two related aspects of the site: alongside the cultivation of vegetables and fruit, the ponds also shape the surviving garden landscape.
Castle Grounds and Architectural History
Kasteel van Groot-Bijgaarden was built around 1640 in the pure Flemish Renaissance style. Parochiekerk Sint-Egidius, itself a protected monument, is located within the protected castle grounds. The castle and church can be distinguished by different features: for the castle, the approximate date of construction and architectural style are key, while Sint-Egidius is notable for its protected status and location within the protected landscape.
Sint-Wivina Chapel was built in 1660; a 400-metre-long avenue connects it to the gatehouse. Unlike the castle's approximate date, the chapel has a specific year of construction. The avenue also marks a clear architectural connection within the abbey grounds.
Pampoelhuis takes you to a different period in the town's history: it is the former municipal building of Groot-Bijgaarden and was rebuilt in the 1930s. Its architectural details include sandstone cross-mullioned windows and a round-arched door surround with imposts. Cross-mullioned windows divide a window opening into a cross shape; imposts mark the transition from the vertical frame to the arch. This makes it possible to consider the building's former municipal function, its rebuilding period and its architectural style separately.
Floralia and Getting Around
Floralia Brussels is an annual spring flower exhibition held in the park of Kasteel van Groot-Bijgaarden. If you are planning your trip around Floralia, check the event dates before making your plans. The seasonal exhibition can be the main focus of your visit, while the abbey, castle and other aspects of local architectural history offer separate cultural themes.
To explore the town centre, you can follow the route “Een schat aan monumenten: Groot-Bijgaarden”. It passes through the centre, is not signposted and is followed using a GPS device or an app. Bear this navigation method in mind as you prepare, rather than relying on signposts along the route.
There are also specific points to help you plan your journey: bus routes 136, 355 and 820 stop at Gemeenteplein. Groot-Bijgaarden railway station is 500 metres from Gemeenteplein. Check the timetables before you set off so you can plan bus and train connections for your travel day.
Discover more destinations: Schepdaal.
Return to the broader travel overview: Dilbeek.
