The historic centre of Neerijse lies on the northern valley slope of the IJse, where the old Lovenwech opens out into a square-like space. A dense cluster of older buildings has been preserved. Many date from the 18th century; some have been altered. As you explore the town, you can take in individual buildings alongside the historic townscape as a whole. In addition to its cultural heritage, walking trails and the history of Brouwerij De Kroon offer practical starting points for a visit.
Town Centre and Architecture
The parish church of Sint-Pieter en -Paulus has two soaring Romanesque towers dating from the second half of the 12th century, as well as a Neo-Romanesque nave. It is surrounded by a walled cemetery; the oldest gravestones date back to around 1900. The church thus brings together two distinct architectural features: the Romanesque towers and the Neo-Romanesque nave.
The Kapel van Onze-Lieve-Vrouw ten Pui was built as a castle chapel in 1758. Its design is Neoclassical, with Baroque influences; it is also a protected monument. The Louis XVI-style interior, made of imitation marble, includes an altar, doors and a gallery. Its history and furnishings offer several specific ways to explore the cultural heritage: its original function as a castle chapel, its architectural design and the interior features mentioned above.
The Kasteel d'Overschie complex comprises a former Neoclassical castle and an adjacent watermill. The castle dates from the late 18th or early 19th century and is now used as a hospital. The mill dates from the second half of the 18th century, and its historic mechanism has been preserved. The complex thus brings together the history of a former castle, its present-day use and a surviving technical feature of the mill.
Walking Trails and Landscape
The Doode-Bemde walking route in Neerijse starts at Brasserie De Kroon, Beekstraat 20, 3040 Neerijse. The Ooghoogtewandeling Neerijse runs through the open countryside of the Duisburg plateau. The trails have different points of interest: the starting point of the Doode-Bemde walking route is specified, while the Ooghoogtewandeling is characterised by its landscape setting. The Ooghoogte artwork also draws on the rolling open countryside and its characteristic sunken lanes. It is a three-dimensional logo by the artist collective Observatorium; its curving forms evoke these features of the landscape.
The Doode Bemde nature reserve along the Dijle covers more than 250 hectares and has 9 kilometres of walking trails. Its landscape includes wet meadows, swamp forests, reed beds, ponds and small fields. This scenery differs markedly from the open countryside of the Ooghoogtewandeling and offers another nature-focused option when planning your visit.
Brewing History and Tasting
Brouwerij De Kroon was founded in 1897 and is located southwest of the parish church of Sint-Pieter en -Paulus. A guided tour introduces the history of the site and both the old and new breweries, followed by a tasting. Check tour dates in advance before making firm plans for your visit. At Bistro De Kroon, you can sample the Delvaux, Petit Delvaux, Job and Super Kroon beers. The selection may change, so check what is currently available before your visit.
For the broader travel overview: Huldenberg.
