The best city hikes and walks in Bois D'Acren - Akrenbos

Iconic to ride here.

The church's origins lie in the 12th-century Chapel of Our Lady of the Maerct. In 1515, the relic of Saint Bartholomew was brought in a solemn procession from the neighboring village of Sint-Martens-Lierde to Geraardsbergen. The late Gothic parish church henceforth bears the name of this apostle-martyr. Bartholomew is invoked against nervous and skin diseases, and is, among other things, the patron saint of tanners. The saint's relic is housed in a magnificent silver shrine (1719). In the mid-eighteenth century, the time was ripe for a modification to the French rococo style. The town hall, too, was adapted. The Geraardsbergen carpenter-sculptor Gilles de Ville and several colleagues created various ornate pieces of furniture, including the naturalistic pulpit. At the end of the nineteenth century, the Ghent architect August Van Assche drastically turned the clock back to the Middle Ages. The church regains its Gothic exterior. Inside, a magnificent neo-Gothic interior, inspired by Louis Bert de l’Arbre, now shines, with the choir as its centerpiece. The godfather of neo-Gothic architecture in Geraardsbergen is so delighted with the prestigious commission that he painted the choir and transept entirely free of charge. Uniquely, the interior has been exceptionally well preserved, from the stained-glass windows and altarpieces to the shining lights on the choir stalls. This is almost unheard of in Flanders.

In the center of Geraardsbergen, De Vlaamse Waterweg nv is renovating the weirs and the surrounding area of the weir complex. The existing lock is being mechanized. Currently, the lock gates are still manually operated by lock keepers. Electromechanical lock gates will ensure smoother passage for vessels in the future. Work on the weir has been partially completed but has been halted since October 2017. The towpath at the complex, which was closed during the work, has been temporarily reopened to cyclists and pedestrians pending the restart of the work. (De Vlaamse Waterweg)

The boat club VVW Den Bleek was founded in 1997 by a few enthusiastic recreational boaters from Geraardsbergen and the surrounding area to share their passion for the water in a club setting. Over the years, this club has grown into a vibrant community, and the necessary infrastructure has been built and/or commissioned. As a water sports club, VVW Den Bleek is responsible for the operation of the marina and has its own adjacent clubhouse (open to everyone): "Het Boothuis" (The Boathouse). The marina is beautifully situated on the Dender River in Geraardsbergen, making it the ideal base for a relaxing boat trip on this thundering river. (VVW Den Bleek)

The Guillemin Bridge is a steel girder bridge over the Dender River in the municipality of Geraardsbergen. The bridge has a total length of 60 m and three spans: two side spans of 16 m each and a central span of 28 m. The vertical clearance under the bridge is 6 m. (Wikipedia)

The current appearance of the church, which acquired its current name after the acquisition of the relics of Saint Bartholomew in 1515, dates from the years 1880-1896. During this period, architect August Van Assche (1826-1907) began a thorough restoration to return the church to its "original" Gothic appearance, or even improve it. The chairman of the church council, Louis Bert-de l'Arbre, was the driving force behind this renovation. He and his wife are depicted in a stained-glass window in the former St. George's Chapel in the west, which has been part of the church ever since and was dedicated to Our Lady. (Open Churches)

The original 14th-century Gothic town hall with vertically stacked halls was ravaged several times, including in 1381, 1485, 1549 and the last quarter of the 16th century; restored in 1598-99. Renovated in 1752-53 in Louis XV style with a plastered facade, central bay accentuated by a wrought iron balcony on the main floor, ending in a triangular pediment; segmental arch windows. Slight damage in 1779 and 1814. Neo-Gothic renovation in 1891-96 based on a design by architect Langerock; contractor Cock. Addition of the monumental staircase in 1896. (Inventory of Immovable Heritage)

Definitely go inside, it's beautiful.