Category: Belgium

De Maten, Belgium – From Historic Fish Ponds to Nature Reserve

De Maten in the Province of Limburg in Belgium is a nature reserve of about 5 sq. km (536.00 ha), and man-made cultural landscape. De Maten is a protected and listed landscape since 1975 and is located within the boundaries of the towns of Genk and Diepenbeek. Centuries ago over 35 fish ponds were created by damming the local burns, including the ‘Stiemersbeek’ …

The Cistercian Landscape of Herkenrode

The heritage site of Herkenrode is located in the city of Hasselt, Belgium. The history of the site goes back to 1182 when the foundations were laid for this former Cistercian abbey. Herkenrode has had a chequered history, with periods of impressive heights, but sadly also periods of demise and dereliction. Since 2000 the site has experienced a transformation through …