Discover 11 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Hasselt (Belgium). Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: Herkenrode Abbey, St. Quentin Cathedral, and Virga Jesse Basilica. Also, be sure to include Art Museum Z33 in your itinerary.
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Hasselt (Vlaanderen).
Table of Contents
Herkenrode Abbey
Also known as: Abbaye de Herkenrode
Monastery in Hasselt, Belgium. Herkenrode Abbey was monastery of Cistercian nuns located in Kuringen, part of the municipality of Hasselt, which lies in the province of Limburg, Belgium.
Since 1972 some of the surviving buildings have served as the home of a community of the Canonesses of the Holy Sepulchre, who have since built a new retreat center and church on the site.
In 1974 the buildings and the surrounding estate were designated and since then protected as a national historical monument and landscape.[1]
Address: Herkenrodeabdij 4, 3511 Hasselt
St. Quentin Cathedral
Also known as: Cathédrale Saint-Quentin de Hasselt
Cathedral in Hasselt, Belgium. The St. Quentin Cathedral also called Hasselt Cathedral is an important Catholic church in Hasselt north of Belgium, which was elevated to the status of cathedral in 1967 when the diocese of Hasselt was created. Its construction began in the eleventh century, and continued for two centuries.
A first church was built in the eighth century, but was replaced in the eleventh century by a new Romanesque building. In the fifteenth century, the choir was, plus added four chapels rebuilt. Also in the fifteenth century, Hagenprekers of the Netherlands came to preach Protestantism in Hasselt, then follows a period of iconoclasm. Maaseik Hasselt temporarily declared the separation of the Church. During that time he destroyed the tabernacle, statues, the side altar and the main altar, under the command of Gerard van Groesbeek.
The tower of the present church dates from 1725; It was restored in the nineteenth century. At that time, Gothic stained glass and paintings from Herkenrode Abbey, an abbey near the town, were added. the walls are also decorated with frescoes by Godfried Guffens (1823-1901), a painter of Hasselt. The cathedral houses the works of many centuries, beginning in the 15th century. Since 1993, the cathedral is a protected heritage.[2]
Virga Jesse Basilica
Basilica in Hasselt, Belgium. The Virga Jesse Basilica is a basilica, formerly known as the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk, in Hasselt, Belgium. It dates back to the 14th century, approximately 1334. The original chapel was replaced with the current church, which was completed in 1731. Prior to being elevated to the status of a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1998, it was considered an auxiliary church of the church of St. Quentin, now St. Quentin Cathedral. The church and neighboring houses were heavily damaged by bombing during World War II in 1944. The rebuilt church, now the third church to be built in the same place, was dedicated to the then-bishop of Liège in 1951.
The basilica is best known for the 14th century statue of Virga Jesse, which is paraded through the streets of Hasselt every seven years.[3]
Address: Kapelstraat 23, 3500 Hasselt
Art Museum Z33
Art institute in Hasselt, Belgium. Z33 is an art institution in Hasselt that connects art, design and architecture with social themes. Z33 presents itself as an art centre and not as a museum. In fact, the house initiates, produces and displays temporary exhibitions, without a permanent collection. Here, the starting point is the intersection between contemporary art and design. The artistic exhibitions that Z33 creates and presents refer to social developments and scientific phenomena.[4]
Address: Zuivelmarkt 33, 3500 Hasselt
Nationaal Jenevermuseum
Museum, History museum, Distillery
Address: Witte Nonnenstraat 19, 3500 Hasselt
Modemuseum Hasselt
Museum, Art museum
Address: Gasthuisstraat 11, 3500 Hasselt
Het Stadsmus
Museum, Specialty museum
Address: Guido Gezellestraat 2, 3500 Hasselt
Literair museum
Museum, Specialty museum, Art museum
Address: Bampslaan 35, 3500 Hasselt
Japanse Tuin
The Japanese Garden of Hasselt in Belgium is the result of a collaboration between the city of Itami and Hasselt that started in 1985. Hasselt gave Itami a carillon tower in November 1991, and Hasselt was given a Japanese garden as a symbol of friendship.
The Japanese garden is an extension of the Kapermolen park. With an area of 2.5 hectares.
Three parts can be distinguished in the park, which stretches along its length: a transitional area with the Kapermolen Park, the Japanese garden itself, arranged around the water feature and the streams, and the cherry orchard. The cherry orchard, which covers an area of about half a hectare, includes an open square and picnic areas, and can be used for various events.
Address: Gouverneur Verwilghensingel 23, 3500 Hasselt
Begijnhof
Park
Address: Zuivelmarkt 33, 3500 Hasselt
Provinciale Bibliotheek Limburg
Library
Address: Martelarenlaan 17, 3500 Hasselt