Vollezele offers two distinct sides to a stay: the history of the Brabant draft horse shapes its cultural sites and farms, while Congoberg, with its protected landscape and sunken lanes, provides a contrasting natural setting. If you are looking for accommodation in Vollezele, you can plan your trip around whether you are most interested in local and breeding history or the landscape. Both themes give the place its own character.
Draft horse culture and its sites
The culture surrounding the Brabant draft horse was recognised as intangible cultural heritage in 2018. The Museum van het Belgisch Trekpaard tells the story of the Brabant draft horse. The museum is housed in Vollezele’s former town hall; directly in front stands the statue “Brillant van Vollezele”. The museum and monument offer different perspectives: one tells the history of the breed, while the other is a figure whose name is linked to Vollezele.
Stoeterij Haras de Vollezeele is also part of this historical theme. It has been a protected monument since 8 June 2009 and was built on the foundations of Hof te Fonteyntjes. Construction began in 1891 with the long barn. At Stal de Follezelles, the De Beuf–Van Vreckem family explains the daily routine of draft horse breeding to visitors. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose between architectural heritage and an insight into breeding, without treating the two experiences as the same.
Traditionally, the Brabant draft horse takes centre stage on the third Sunday in October, in a day of experiences, nostalgia and craftsmanship. If you want to plan your trip around this date, check it in advance. This distinguishes a visit connected to the annual event from a trip focused on the cultural and landscape themes that are present year-round.
Church and farms: different historical connections
The parish church of Sint-Paulus is a Neoclassical building. The Abbey of Forest had it built in 1767, replacing a medieval church. It has been a protected monument since 20 November 1973. This gives you two distinct dates in Vollezele’s architectural history: the construction of the present-day church in the 18th century and its later designation as a protected monument.
The Abbey of Forest also features in the history of several farms, but in different roles. Hof te Reepingen was a tenant farm belonging to the abbey for centuries. Hof te Put dates from the 18th century and was part of the abbey’s former holdings. These details describe two separate historical connections. Hof ter Haegen, whose date is given as 1800, is in turn associated with horse breeding: in the past, heavy mares gave birth there to foals that grew into renowned draft horse stallions. Together, the farm histories offer a glimpse into the area’s agricultural and breeding past.
Congoberg and the Brillant Walk
If you would like to focus on the landscape, Congoberg offers a different subject from the buildings and farms. Congoberg is a protected landscape area and a witness hill in the Pajottenland; the protected area also includes Vollezele. The surrounding area is characterised by steep slopes, embankments and numerous sunken lanes. Molenbos is a preserved remnant of the former forest on Congoberg. These features give the landscape its own character and clearly distinguish it from the architectural and cultural history sites.
For a walking option, the Brillant Walk is approximately seven kilometres long and fully signposted with junction numbers. Its approximate length and signposting provide two concrete points of reference for planning. You can use them to decide whether you would rather delve into the history of draft horses and farms or set aside time for the Congoberg landscape. The two perspectives offer different ways to shape a stay in Vollezele.
For the broader travel overview: Galmaarden.
