The best traffic-free bike rides around Hélécine

On the site of the current St. Leonard's Church stood a chapel—the date of construction of which is unknown—in honor of Saint Leonard of Noblac. After this chapel was elevated to a parish church in 1231, it was replaced by the current church, which had a long construction history: the monumental Gothic building was largely constructed between the 13th and 16th centuries. St. Leonard's Church is rich in art treasures and owes its international fame primarily to them. The Iconoclasm of 1566 and the French Revolution passed the church by without significant damage, thus preserving most of the impressive artistic heritage accumulated over centuries: altarpieces, paintings, statues of saints, copper and silverwork, vestments, and other devout objects. Below, a few of these showpieces are presented. Upon entering, the first thing that catches the eye is the Marianum: this double statue (1533) is situated within the 15th-century veneration of Mary, which depicted the Virgin Mary as the apocalyptic woman and mediatrix of grace. Not-to-be-missed highlight inside: The Sacrament Tower: A tabernacle crafted from white Avesnes stone is undoubtedly the church's showpiece. The artwork was created in the workshops of Cornelis II Floris de Vriendt in Antwerp and erected in Zoutleeuw in 1552. The tower is 18 meters high, has nine stories, and contains approximately 200 statues depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. A replica is on display at London's Victoria and Albert Museum. The Paschal Candlestick This copper candlestick is 5.68 meters high and weighs approximately 950 kg. It was cast by Renier van Thienen, based on a design by Jan Bornam, and installed in the choir by the founder himself in 1483. It is the second-largest Easter candlestick in Europe. Source: https://www.zoutleeuw.be/sint-leonarduskerk

So-called "Nieuwenhoven Castle," a castle with farm buildings. Since the fourth quarter of the 13th century, it served as a playground and summer residence for the abbots of Sint-Truiden; fortified in 1329 by Abbot Adam van Ardingen; completely rebuilt in 1340 by Abbot Amelius van Schoonvorst; enlarged and renovated from 1521 to 1525 by Abbot Willem van Brussel; the current farm was built by Abbot Hubert Germeys (1612-1638), the castle by Abbot Jozef van Herck (1751-1780); Nieuwenhoven became the abbots' permanent residence primarily during the 18th century; after the French invasion, the property was sold. During the second half of the 19th century, renovation works were carried out in the English neo-Gothic style: a carriage house with stables between the castle and the farm, and a castle wing that burned down in 1932. Inventory of Immovable Heritage 2024: Nieuwenhoven Castle and castle farm https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/23016

Nieuwenhoven Castle is situated in a beautiful, fertile location amidst forests and farmland. The castle has a cycling café, and visitors can stroll along the antennae trail on the private grounds.

On the spot where, according to legend, a statue of Our Lady, plowed out by a team of oxen, hung against an oak tree, a late Gothic chapel was built in 1538, which quickly became a place of pilgrimage. The chapel's interior also pleasantly surprises visitors. The rood screen is decorated with a beautiful apostle pew from 1613, probably from the Clerk's Chapel. Pilgrims used to offer a kilo of salt here to prevent children from bedwetting. Even today, the chapel attracts many visitors and, thanks in part to the procession, the May pilgrimage, and the candlelight procession, remains a center of religious life. It is open daily. On Sunday, September 8th, or the following Sunday, there is the annual rosary procession around the chapel to commemorate its dedication. This procession features a modern depiction of the mysteries of the Rosary, which also includes the Seven Sorrows of Our Lady. At the beginning of the procession, a farmer walks with an old plow. This refers to the legend that a farmer in the early sixteenth century allegedly found the statue of the Virgin Mary while plowing. The chapel on Ossenweg is said to have been built later in this neighborhood. The statue of Our Lady of Ossenweg is also carried in the procession. Source: https://www.zoutleeuw.be/kapel-van-de-ossenweg

7 centuries old, but still beautiful...

Yes, Leonard knew what he wanted and is indeed a "wow"...

Taking a break at the chapel...

Beautiful Chapel, unfortunately the crypt is closed