Top 20 Natural Monuments around Hélécine

A narrow hollow way, for sure. But above all a hollow way with a particularly rich life, not least of all the mammals typically found in hollow ways, which like to linger here, as evidenced by all the many tracks and entrances to all sorts of burrows. A delight. And typically Rosdel.

The many sunken roads in Hoegaarden (and its sub-municipalities like here) form valuable lines in the landscape. The preservation of these linear landscape elements was heavily debated in the first land consolidation plans. Through targeted actions, Natuurpunt was able to preserve a series of unpaved country roads. These green corridors are the habitat of the yellowhammer and woodlark. And you enjoy them. Source: https://www.natuurpunt.be/natuurgebieden/rosdel

Centrally at the summit stands an imposing multi-stemmed linden. This tree still has an old trunk base (approximately 2 meters in diameter) with parts of the original residual wall of the previous hollow tree. Several new trunks grew from this residual wall and from trunk base suckers, which now once again form a beautiful, full crown atop the tumulus. Inventory of Immovable Heritage 2026: Linden at Bortombe, https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/308038

Roman tumulus with a diameter of approximately 20 to 25 meters. The burial mound is located approximately one and a half kilometers from the Roman villa complex of Hemelrijk. In 1863, H. Schuermans and A. conducted excavations there, during which a rectangular burial chamber (2.18 by 2.05 meters) was discovered in the mound. The burial mound partially covered the remains of the funeral pyre southeast of the burial chamber. A wealth of gifts were recovered from the burial chamber: terra sigillata bowls, burnt iron fragments, terra nigra, glass, beads in glass paste, bone and bronze objects, and coins of Faustina I, Tiberius, and Hadrian. Based on the finds, the burial mound could be dated between the second half of the 2nd century and the beginning of the 3rd century. Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Tumulus Bortombe, https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/302655

The tumulus of Bortombe is situated on a hill, and anyone who appreciates a listed ancient burial mound (Roman artifacts were found in the tomb) with a listed lime tree on it will have to sacrifice paved walking paths. But that's the case for most walks in the area, and it doesn't bother me. It's always nice to have a bench and enjoy the views.

The monumental character of the tumuli and their location along a main road to Tongeren served to display the power and wealth of the deceased. This road remained a major traffic artery for several centuries after the Roman era, meaning that passersby were constantly confronted with the monumental mounds. Over time, however, it lost its original purpose as a burial monument, and the area around the three tombs was used for various other purposes. In the first half of the 15th century, the tumuli came into the possession of the Dukes of Brabant, who established a rabbit warren there under the supervision of a gamekeeper, the so-called tombhueder. This person's job was to capture the numerous rabbits and foxes on the estate in exchange for rye. Around 1403-1404, the hunt was placed under the supervision of a warantmeester. In 1450, Philip of Burgundy decided to lease the three tumuli to the city of Tienen, which in turn leased the tumuli, along with the nearby fields, as parcels of land. Those who acquired them had to pay a tax to the duke for exterminating the rabbits. Later, the tumuli became the property of the local Table of the Holy Spirit (a civic institution that cared for the poor). When the Table of the Poor was closed in 1796, its management passed to the directors of the newly established Tienen charity office. Attention to the tumuli themselves gradually revived due to a renewed interest in ancient culture during the 16th and 17th centuries. For example, in the 16th century, the Zaventem tumulus was completely excavated in the presence of Emperor Charles V to reveal its rich grave contents. But it wasn't only scholars and prominent figures who became interested in ancient objects; itinerant soldiers also sought their share of the loot. Thus, many tumuli were sought out by treasure hunters, including the Grimde tumuli. Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Grimde Tumuli https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/301309

A small chapel hidden in nature...

Neatly tidied and renovated since my last visit. Sometimes the moisture on the window can obscure Hymelinus from view. Those who are here for the pilgrimage or want to know more can, however, visit Hymelinus' reliquary in the church of Sint-Martens-Vissenaken and, of course, see his image and light a candle, as has been done for centuries. See photos at https://www.komoot.com/nl-nl/highlight/5345914