Attractions and Places To See in Groot Schietveld - Top 20

Between 1895 and 2010, more than 2,000 missionary sisters were trained here to be sent out to missions worldwide. It marks the beginning of a beautiful semi-paved path to and through West-Beersgat, once known as the forest of the Antwerp Public Centre for Social Welfare (OCMW). In the second half of the nineteenth century, the heathland on the poor sandy soils had to make way for coniferous forests. After the Second World War, several stands of Scots pine were replaced by Corsican pine, larch, and spruce to create a production forest and hunting area. West-Beersgat is a large forest of over 68 hectares in Wuustwezel, which we traverse entirely via a "Dream Link."

Between 1895 and 2010, more than 2,000 missionary sisters were trained here to be sent out to missions worldwide. It marks the beginning of a beautiful semi-paved path to and through West-Beersgat, once known as the forest of the Antwerp Public Centre for Social Welfare (OCMW). In the second half of the nineteenth century, the heathland on the poor sandy soils had to make way for coniferous forests. After the Second World War, several stands of Scots pine were replaced by Corsican pine, larch, and spruce to create a production forest and hunting area. West-Beersgat is a large forest of more than 68 hectares in Wuustwezel, which we traverse entirely via a "Dream Link."

Since 2012, three gigantic blocks have been located on the roundabout of the Sint-Jobsesteenweg, Brechtsebaan and Ruiterijschool, a few hundred metres from the LEGO Benelux office in the Coppens Campus. Worldwide, a reference is placed in the form of a LEGO artwork near a LEGO factory or LEGO office. The LEGO headquarters for the Benelux has been located in Maria-ter-Heide since 2010. This is the only location in Belgium. Only an office, with around 45 employees, to support the sales and marketing of LEGO. The production of the most famous blocks will not take place here.

Heritage walk The monastery buildings are surrounded by avenues, meadows and forests. The heritage walk takes you past a number of religious statues and interesting places. Along the way, the signs tell you more about the lives of the sisters and the domain. At the back of the domain is the cemetery of the sisters where you can view the history of the sisters on a memorial column.

Park Franciscanessen International novitiate From 1895 to 2010, more than 2,000 missionary sisters were trained here to be sent out all over the world. The monastery buildings are surrounded by a patchwork of avenues, meadows and forests. Here and there you will come across religious statues. At the back of the domain is the cemetery of the sisters. Along the avenues are information boards with the story of the sisters and the domain. An information kiosk was also placed at the cemetery where you can find the history of the domain. Would you like to take a longer walk? Then also visit the nearby Beersgat! Role of Kempens Landschap After the monastery closed its doors, the buildings and the green area were given a new life. Kempens Landschap bought the green area, which has now become a public park. The buildings were transformed into a residential care centre. Our organisation drew up a landscape management plan in which all management objectives and the vision for the domain are included. The existing heritage is not forgotten either: various statues and the St. Francis Cave were restored. The pond around the cave was also renovated. The works were made possible by various subsidy projects. The park is managed by a permanent green team, and the park is gradually being further upgraded as described in the landscape management plan.

Park Franciscanessen International novitiate From 1895 to 2010, more than 2,000 missionary sisters were trained here to be sent out all over the world. The monastery buildings are surrounded by a patchwork of avenues, meadows and forests. Here and there you will come across religious statues. At the back of the domain is the cemetery of the sisters. Along the avenues are information boards with the story of the sisters and the domain. An information kiosk was also placed at the cemetery where you can find the history of the domain. Would you like to take a longer walk? Then also visit the nearby Beersgat! Role of Kempens Landschap After the monastery closed its doors, the buildings and the green area were given a new life. Kempens Landschap bought the green area, which has now become a public park. The buildings were transformed into a residential care centre. Our organisation drew up a landscape management plan in which all management objectives and the vision for the domain are included. The existing heritage is not forgotten either: various statues and the St. Francis Cave were restored. The pond around the cave was also renovated. The works were made possible by various subsidy projects. The park is managed by a permanent green team, and the park is gradually being further upgraded as described in the landscape management plan.

A playful element on the roundabout to beautify the street scene

Monastery domain transformed into a residential care center. The gardens were taken over by Kempens Landschap with care and respect for the past and are open to the public.