Gembloux-sur-Orneau Attractions
Situated between Brussels and Namur the small town of Gembloux (Flemish Gembloers), which dates back to a Roman settlement on the military road from Bavai to Cologne, received its town charter in the 12th C. The town walls, parts of which are still standing, were constructed in the same period. From the 17th to the 19th C. Gembloux was famous for its steelware but this was only small scale and was superseded by other metal-working industries. Together with several surrounding districts Gembloux forms the administrative district of Gembloux-sur-Orneau.
Sigisbert of Gembloux (1030-1112) wrote a world chronicle of the years 381-1111 in the Benedictine abbey.
During the Dutch Wars of Independence the Spanish commander Don Juan d'Austria defeated a Spanish army here in 1578.
Sigisbert of Gembloux (1030-1112) wrote a world chronicle of the years 381-1111 in the Benedictine abbey.
During the Dutch Wars of Independence the Spanish commander Don Juan d'Austria defeated a Spanish army here in 1578.
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Corroy-le-Chateau, Belgium
(Near Gembloux-sur-Orneau)
Corroy-le-Château is an excellent example of a medieval castle. Tours are available through the various rooms and chapel. On display is furniture and artwork from the 16th to 18th C.
Benedictine Abbey
The abbey was founded in the 10th C. by St Guibert but the buildings from this period were demolished between 1762 and 1779. The new building including restoration of the old cloisters began in 1779 according to plans by the architect Dewez on a rocky outcrop above the Orneau.
The former abbot's palace with an Ionic portal with columns stands in the impressive courtyard.
The former abbey church, a parish church from 1812, is built above a 12th C. Romanesque crypt. Since 1861 the monastery buildings have been occupied by the National Agricultural Institute.
The former abbot's palace with an Ionic portal with columns stands in the impressive courtyard.
The former abbey church, a parish church from 1812, is built above a 12th C. Romanesque crypt. Since 1861 the monastery buildings have been occupied by the National Agricultural Institute.
Grand-Leez, Belgium
(Near Gembloux-sur-Orneau)
In Grand-Leez, 6km/4miles east of Gembloux, numerous Roman finds were made. The Moulin Defrenne from 1830 is still in use today but driven by electricity.
The mill Defrenne was classified as a monument in 1962 and restored in 1990. Visitors can watch the miller grind the wheat on wheels made of natural stone.
Grand-Leez is also home to Château de Petit-Leez, home to Dieleman Sculpture Gallery and the Exit 11 contemporary art gallery.
The mill Defrenne was classified as a monument in 1962 and restored in 1990. Visitors can watch the miller grind the wheat on wheels made of natural stone.
Grand-Leez is also home to Château de Petit-Leez, home to Dieleman Sculpture Gallery and the Exit 11 contemporary art gallery.
Ligny, Belgium
(Near Gembloux-sur-Orneau)
