The best city hikes and walks in South Limburg

Currently, unfortunately, surrounded by construction site. A great contrast to the new town hall.

Borrelmanneke is a fountain and bronze statue in the center of Hasselt, Belgium. This statue symbolizes the city's jenever tradition and is a landmark for both residents and tourists. The Borrelmanneke is located on Maastrichterstraat.

Since the 7th century, a devotion to Saint Quentin existed along the Helbeek. Around 1100, Hasselt became a parish, with a Romanesque church, which from 1218 onwards was under the patronage of Herkenrode Abbey. Of the Romanesque church, only the lower part of the 12th-century tower remains. The upper part was built in the early Gothic style around 1250. In the second half of the 14th century, construction began on the chapels along the aisles. These gradually increased in number. The nave, transept, and choir were constructed between 1406 and 1448. The vaults date from a building campaign in the mid-15th century. In the second half of the 15th century, the chapels along the aisles were enlarged in a uniform manner; this effectively gave the church a five-aisled design. In 1510, an ambulatory with transept chapels was built. The spire dates from the 18th century. From 1862 to 1879, the building was restored by architect J. Delsaux. The additions of the stair turrets on the west facade, as well as the finals and gargoyles, date from this period. During excavations in the church, following the installation of underfloor heating, traces of a structure were discovered that can be dated to the 9th century. Postholes from heavy wooden uprights indicate that the structure must have been 6 to 7 meters wide and at least 9 meters long, with a narrower east side. The building lay parallel to the foundations of the later Romanesque church. These may be traces of a wooden chapel that preceded the Romanesque church. Several graves also date from the same period. Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Saint-Quintinus Cathedral, https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/22097

About the wall paintings discovered in the cathedral. On the northwest crossing pillar in the nave, near the Cornelis Chapel, are the depictions of Saints Cornelius and Anthony. Cornelius, as a bishop, is dressed in an alb, dalmatic, cope, and miter. In his right hand, he holds the episcopal crosier; in his left, he carries his personal attribute, the horn; first half of the 15th century (143 x 69 centimeters). Anthony is depicted as a hermit in a brown robe and cowl, the habit of his order, the Antonites. In his right hand, he carries the abbot's crosier; in his left, a prayer book and a bell, with which the Antonites announced their arrival to plague victims. At his feet are visible flames, which refer to the Saint Anthony's fire, a formidable contagious disease; first half of the 15th century (150 x 66 centimeters). On the second column on the south side, the martyr Saint Lucy is depicted. She wears a robe and a wide cloak, holding a book in her right hand. She stands between two executioners dressed in short tunics and pointed shoes; the inscription reads: SAN[C]T[A] LUCIA, 15th century (120 x 124 centimeters). Discovered during plaster removal work in 1887. Restoration probably by Cornelis Leegenhoek in 1936. Godfried Guffens designed the static figures of saints in the choir and the murals in the baptistery, depicting the Baptism of Christ, the Crucifixion, the Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise, and finally, the figures of the first eight bishops of the diocese of Liège (1876-1879). Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Murals of St. Quintinus Cathedral, https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/301476

St. Quintin's Cathedral is known, among other things, for its carillon (which includes a carillon museum and numerous steps for a magnificent view), several murals, the unique Niehof organ, the oldest known monstrance, and a wealth of religious heritage. For me, the reliquary treasure housed in the cathedral from the former Herkenrode Monastery (near Hasselt) is unmissable. It's a very old treasure that brings together everything: the legend of Saint Ursula, the County of Loon, Herkenrode Abbey, the medieval relic trade, pilgrimages, and much more. The treasure—which contains 114 objects, including 47 skulls—was donated to Herkenrode Abbey (where his cousin was abbess) in the thirteenth century by Willem Van Rijckel, Abbot of Sint-Truiden. A long story, but above all, some truly special masterpieces for enthusiasts.

Since the 7th century, a devotion to Saint Quentin existed along the Helbeek. Around 1100, Hasselt became a parish, with a Romanesque church, which from 1218 onwards was under the patronage of Herkenrode Abbey. Of the Romanesque church, only the lower part of the 12th-century tower remains. The upper part was built in the early Gothic style around 1250. In the second half of the 14th century, construction began on the chapels along the aisles. These gradually increased in number. The nave, transept, and choir were constructed between 1406 and 1448. The vaults date from a building campaign in the mid-15th century. In the second half of the 15th century, the chapels along the aisles were enlarged in a uniform manner; this effectively gave the church a five-aisled design. In 1510, an ambulatory with transept chapels was built. The spire dates from the 18th century. From 1862 to 1879, the building was restored by architect J. Delsaux. The additions of the stair turrets on the west facade, as well as the finals and gargoyles, date from this period. During excavations in the church, following the installation of underfloor heating, traces of a structure were discovered that can be dated to the 9th century. Postholes from heavy wooden uprights indicate that the structure must have been 6 to 7 meters wide and at least 9 meters long, with a narrower east side. The building lay parallel to the foundations of the later Romanesque church. These may be traces of a wooden chapel that preceded the Romanesque church. Several graves also date from the same period. Inventory of Immovable Heritage: Saint-Quintinus Cathedral, https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/22097

Of course, the Borrelmanneke plays a key role in Hasselt Jenever Day in Hasselt. How does that work? Awel: "Hasselt Jenever Day takes place on the third Saturday of October and is the highlight of the Confrérie. The Confrérie begins this day with a hearty breakfast, after which it departs in procession with its guests to the Basilica of Our Lady for the traditional celebration of Mass, during which it thanks its patroness, Virga Jesse, for her protection. This is preceded by the Dean of Hasselt and graced by the Hasselt Cathedral Choir. The next step is the Chapter, welcomed by the Grand Master of the Confrérie. During the Chapter, the new Knights of the Confrérie are nominated and receive their knighthood. The tasting and approval of the new distillation from the Jenever Museum by the Confrérie and other guests is the next stop. Then the journey continues to the Borrelmanneke. Once he has received his new cloak(s), the annual miracle of turning water into jenever takes place." You can see the agenda and photos at https://confreriehasseltsejenever.be/dagvandejenever/ PS: 't Borrelvrouwke (Borrel Woman's Drink) is also discussed, but hasn't been mentioned here yet. Since recent research shows that Limburgers don't speak or are slower, perhaps that's due to a few drinks too many now and then?

The Blauwe Boulevard parking garage is the ideal starting point for exploring Hasselt. This underground parking garage is the cheapest in the city.