The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in Groot Schietveld

https://www.kempenslandschap.be/nl/over-kempens-landschap/domeinen/religieus-erfgoed/park-franciscanessen

Neo-Gothic chapel modernized The neo-Gothic chapel was given a central place as a cafeteria and multi-purpose space. The OCMW also found a place there. The chapel was first thoroughly restored with modern heating and lighting techniques and a new stone floor. Additional openings in the facades let in a lot of light and provide a great sense of space through the panoramic view. The space on the rood screen was separated from the rest of the chapel by a glass wall

The Sacred Heart Statue of Jesus was erected in September 1904. On the pedestal is the Latin text: “Ignemveni mittere in terram, etquid volo nist ut accendatur?” “I came to bring fire to the earth, and what else would I desire than for it to blaze up?”

Slow Cabins: get away from the world in Wuustwezel Slow down in a detached eco-hut in a secret location near home, surrounded by peace and beautiful nature. That is the concept of “Slow Cabins”. You can now also come and completely slow down in Wuustwezel on a domain of vzw Kempens Landschap. Vzw Kempens Landschap is the owner of a beautiful park and nature reserve in Wuustwezel. The domain used to be the backyard of a monastery where sisters were prepared to leave on a foreign mission. Here and there you will come across religious traces of this past, such as statues or a Lourdes grotto. Eye-catchers of the quiet walking area are a few stately avenues, meadows and forest zones. In a quiet corner of the domain, a self-sufficient house for couples, the ‘Time for Two’ cabin, is temporarily being set up. This ecological and mobile cabin guarantees a unique ‘nature experience’ in refined simplicity. Cook your own meal in the kitchen, light the wood fire or try an outdoor barbecue next to a sputtering fire pit. If you want, you can also book a slow dinner with local products or a breakfast basket. Book a moment of rest at www.slowcabins.be !

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.

The St. Joseph's Church in Gooreind is a striking architectural monument. This church, founded in the early 20th century, is known for its beautiful neo-Gothic style. With its impressive stained glass windows and ornate interior, the church provides a spiritual oasis for visitors and parishioners.