Mariaveld, Smisselbergen, Den Rooy

Departure at the Posthoorn in Meerle: https://cafedeposthoorn.be/

Was recorded on December 7, 2019. The walk takes you along a forest path past the former Mariaveld monastery https://inventaris.onroerenderfgoed.be/erfgoedobjecten/46715, near the Blauwbossen, Smisselbergen, and Den Rooy.

In 1895, a German missionary purchased a plot of over one hundred hectares along the Minderhout-Meerle road as a site for the training of brothers and sisters. A few years later, a castle with a chapel was built, and Mariaveld became a reality.

Due to World War I, the German monks had to leave Mariaveld, the majority found their way to Vienna. It wasn't until 1923 that Cardinal Mercier bought a piece of land with a house at the current location to provide a home for the missionary congregation.

The residential building that already existed at the time is now the central part of the building. It has been extended on both sides. The chapel dates from 1931.

At the end of 2001, the last nuns left the building, which was then publicly sold to two families. The new owners have renovated the building and have been living there for several years now.