Zavelenberg

The Zavelenberg in Berchem Sainte Agathe is still a remnant of rural territory in Brussels. The land has retained its structure with hedges, enclosures, and trees. The uneven topography of the Zavelenberg is due to the exploitation of the limestone quarry in the Middle Ages.

The summit of the Zavelenberg is a wooded hill. The rapid urbanization of Berchem Sainte Agathe and Ganshoren after the construction of Avenue Charles Quint led to a significant reduction of the Zavelenberg land, which at that time was permanently split in two. Now, only 16 hectares remain. In the meadows of the Zavelenberg, the cattle of the last farmer in Brussels graze. The Zavelenberg has been a protected landscape since 1989 and a nature reserve since 1992.

The Zavelenberg is undoubtedly interesting for its landscape, but it also has ecological importance. For example, there are many hares on the land, as well as a large number of birds and amphibians.

Basilica Koekelberg