Diest is a small city in the Belgian province Flemish Brabant. The city of Diest is located 60km east of Brussel. Diest is known for the picturesque houses at the central market place dating back to the 16^th to 18^th century. Go for a walk through history in Diest and learn more about this small town.

The historical town belonged to the House of Nassau, like Breda in the Netherlands, Orange in France and Dillenburg in Germany. The most famous family member of House of Nassau was William I of Orange-Nassau. His son Philip William is buried in the Sint-Sulpitius church in Diest. House of Orange-Nassau is now the reigning house in the Netherlands.

Nicolas Cleynaerts

I was reading a book about Nicolas Cleynaerts, a 16^th century Flemish theologian, priest, humanist and Arabist. He was progressive and advocated increasing humanity and compassion between Christianity and Islam. He was born in Diest. I was reading a book about Nicolas Cleynaerts written by Joris Tulkens (also born in Diest) when I decided to visit Diest.

Today, Nicolas Cleynaerts is an unknown historical figure but in his time he was known for his published grammar books in Hebrew, Greek and Latin. He travelled to Spain were he worked for Fernando Colon, the son of Christopher Columbus. Nicolas lived in Portugal for a few years and travelled to Fez to deepen his knowledge of Arabic and Islamic culture. His interest for the Arabic language and Islam made him peculair and in the end he was forced to leave Fez and he returned to Granada.

De Grote Markt

The Grote Markt is the central square in Diest. The Grote Markt is built in a typical Flemish renaissance style. These buildings are made of traditional brick and sandstone layers. At the top of the buildings are gothic stair like façades. If you look closely you can see different architectural styles and richly decorated façades. Besides the Flemish renaissance you can see elements of gothic, baroque and neoclassicism styles.

Stadsmuseum

At the northwest side of the Grote Markt is the Stadhuis (town hall). The town hall is listed as monument and probably built in the 14^th century. Only the cellars still remain of the medieval building. In the 18^th century the town hall is restored in a neoclassical style. The cellars is home to the City Museum de Hofstadt. They display silverware of the archers’ guilds, sculptures, furniture and paintings from the medieval time period.

Sint-Sulpitiuskerk

East of the town hall is the Sint-Sulpitius church. The church is built in a gothic architectural style and located at the Grote Markt. The gothic style is an example demergothic; built in white limestone and iron sandstone. The last material has a rusty colour. The front of the church is built in white limestone. But the side aisles and walls are constructed with the rusty coloured iron sandstone. The construction started in 1321 and was sort of finished in 1534. Prince Filips Willem is buried in the church.

Begijnhof

The Begijnhof is a historical neighbourhood in Diest. Béguines used to live here and the name Begijnhof is derived from this. The Begijnhof is located northeast of the city centre of Diest and is hidden away behind a monumental gate. The Begijnhof was founded in 1253 by Arnold IV, Lord of Diest.

The Béguines were a group a women who dedicate their lives to God. In the 13^th century they founded the béguines in this region in Europe. It is a closed community for women were they could focus on their spiritual needs. The Flemish Béguines are usually a centred and composed group of houses, churches, green spaces and other buildings. The Béguines was a tradition that developed in north-western Europe in the Middle Ages.  

In the 17^th century the Begijnhof was growing rapidly and around 1675 it is estimated 400 béguines were living here. During the French Revolution religious life was restricted by the state. In 1813 the béguines were kicked out of their home. Before the WWII there were no béguines living at the Begijnhof and the neighbourhood was restored. The Begijnhof is listed as UNESCO World Heritage site since 1998.

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Warandepark

Warandepark is the city park in Diest. The park is located on a small hill consisting of iron sandstone. The city park used to be the private domain of Doctor Henri Verstappen. He left the estate to the city council when he died in 1939. Verstappen determined his house was used as entrance to the park. They demolished his house and constructed a neoclassical entrance gate. The statues on top of the gate are from Noord-station at the Rogierplein in Brussel.

Citadel

The Citadel in Diest is a well-preserved monument and the only remaining citadel in Flanders. The citadel is built in the 19^th century when Belgium became independent. The structure was built as defence mechanism for the new state and to protect Brussel. The structure is not used today. The green belt around the citadel is used as parcourse for obstacle runs.

Travel blog

When you are in Belgium you should visit the city of Antwerp. Besides a walk through history in Diest you can also go for a walk in my hometown Antwerp. Check out the monumental highlights in Antwerp. Or visit one of the excellent museum in Antwerp. Visit the authentic Plantin-Moretus Museum and learn more about the life of the famous European printers family. Or admire the world renowned paintings from Pieter Paul Rubens at Rubens house. If you like walking back in time, go and see the private museum collection of Mayer van den Bergh.