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 a series of ambitious conservation and development projects. The appearance of the site has changed dramatically and plenty subjective opinions exist about the redevelopment of the site. This article provides some background to the landscape of Herkenrode and is based on material I gathered for a Masters research case study, done while at the University of York.

For the full article, see this LINK.

Text and Photographs by Jan Haenraets

Jan Haenraets is a Director of Atelier Anonymous Landscapes Inc., Vancouver, BC, Canada;

The Gatehouse to the core of the Herkenrode site.

The map of Peter Meysman from 1669 is a view of the abbey from the west. The Demer, channels, fields, fishponds, orchards are beautifully illustrated as well as the formal garden east of the old abbess’ residence (Bussels 1982, 40- 41).