Theodoor van Loon: master of light, grandeur and religious beauty

Theodoor van Loon was most likely to have visited this church when he stayed in Scherpenheuvel. This was the location of the altarpiece by Jacob van Cothem, commissioned by the Norbertines at the beginning of the 16th century and at that time already regarded as a masterpiece.

Recently, this masterpiece returned to the abbey after an absence of one and a half centuries. You can admire it yourself in the church or during a guided tour of the whole complex.

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Is your inner self in need of nourishment? Then try the traditional products of the abbey - beer, cheese, bread and ice cream - in the abbey cafe Het Moment.

Fancy a tasty treat afterwards? The street opposite the abbey is known as de Lekdreef (Ice Cream Lane). In good weather, ice cream vans set up shop here and people come from far and wide to enjoy a delicious ice cream.

The abbey is also the starting point of the Norbertine walk. This walk (9.3 km) is perfect for exploring Averbode Forest & Heathland. Vast forests alternate with fens, marshes, heathlands and calcifugous grasslands with heather. Do you prefer a shorter walk? The route consists of two loops, both starting and ending at the abbey. So you can easily walk one loop and skip the other one. 

This pilgrimage church is home to van Loon’s most famous work: the Marian cycle. The seven monumental paintings depict the life of the Virgin Mary. The themes tie in with the seven celebrations held at the Court of Albrecht and Isabella. That is no coincidence because, for the Archduke, Scherpenheuvel was the bastion of the Counter-Reformation.

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Want to feel what it’s like to be a true pilgrim on the way to Scherpenheuvel? Go on a mini pilgrimage and walk to the basilica via the pilgrim trails. There are four routes starting from four different cities, including Diest!

After your spiritual journey, you can round off the experience with a culinary voyage of discovery. Scherpenheuvel offers several cosy eateries, including Eetcafé De Heerlyckheid and Brasserie Sint-Jozef. Here you can enjoy local specialities and relax and unwind after your pilgrimage.

If you want to try some more local tasty treats, be sure to try the traditional biscuits of Scherpenheuvel, the pepernoten and noppen. Bakkerij Erwin specialises in these delicacies and during the tourist season you can also buy his biscuits at the seasonal stalls located around the basilica.

Fully experience the atmosphere of Scherpenheuvel with an overnight stay at Mon Dieu. This cosy guesthouse invites you to enjoy the local cuisine and culture. Relax in atmospheric surroundings and unwind completely. In addition, you can also visit the reception centre for pilgrims Huis van Maria. There, you will experience what it is like to spend the night at a pilgrimage site like a true pilgrim.

The four evangelists painted for this church are attributed to Theodoor van Loon. They are each depicted with their own symbol: the angel for Matthew, the lion for Mark, the bull for Luke and the eagle for John. The influence of Caravaggio is also clearly evident in this work. The pulpit in the church - by Jan Mason and Jan van den Steen - is also a gem.

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The beguinage church is part of the Beguinage Diest, which dates back to the 13th century. This city-within-the-city, with its narrow streets and many picturesque spots, has been recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Like Theodoor van Loon, you enter past the baroque entrance gate, with the inscription ‘Comt in mynen Hof, Myn suster Bruyt’.

Ready to make the pedals go round? Hop on your bike and follow the tracks of Theodoor van Loon! The Flanders’ Finest Reynvaert Route (42.1 km) is a beautiful route that starts at the Beguinage and also takes you past the Basilica of Scherpenheuvel and the Abbey Church of Averbode. Thanks to the cycle nodes, you can easily find your way! 88 - 34 - 38 - 91 > 92 > 93 > 59 > 57 > 81 > 56 > 18 > 25 > 83 > 58 > 86 > 87 > 89 > 88 Bicycles are available for hire at the Diest railway station or at the Provincial Domain Halve Maan. 

In this museum, you can admire two masterpieces by Theodoor van Loon: The Presentation in the Temple and The Adoration of the Magi. The Counter-Reformation had everything to do with that. Theodoor van Loon was commissioned to intertwine local religious beliefs with universal religious themes in order to advance the restoration of the Catholic faith in the southern low countries. In doing so, the master deliberately chose a form that ordinary believers could understand.

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After your visit to the museum, you can discover the Demer Valley from a whole new perspective! Hire a kayak or raft and paddle through the calm waters of the Demer. Enjoy the beautiful nature, fresh air and tranquillity. A unique experience not to be missed!

Want to look back on the day’s efforts with a delicious glass of wine? Wine has been produced in the Hageland since the time of the Romans. Perfect for a well-earned break among the undulating vineyards. Discover the unique flavours of the Hageland wines and be amazed by the passion of local winemakers.

Want to keep soaking up the atmosphere of the 16th century? Then stay at the Oranje City Hotel, located in the historic Spijker. This monumental building on the Demer is not only a must-see for culture lovers, but also a lovely place for an overnight stay. Relax in one of the stylish rooms and let yourself be pampered in this thoroughly welcoming hotel.