Around 1865, Duke Engelbert August van Arenberg (1824-1875) had himself transported daily by carriage in Heverlee along the Herendreef, Heverleebos, the Kerspelstraat. Follow the Duke on his daily walk. Discover two top locations and find out the story behind street names, buildings and statues. Arenberg Castle has undergone a thorough restoration in recent years. The restoration of the Annunciation Chapel of the Sacred Heart Institute was a laureate for the Flemish Monuments Prize in 2011.
The Dukes of Arenberg were large landowners and skilled foresters who left behind an invaluable rich natural heritage in the Meerdaal forest. For the people of Heverlee, this noble family of German origin was of great importance. The sisters of Annuntiates of Heverlee made a name for themselves in education. At the end of the 19th century, the Sacred Heart Institute was located between the properties of the Park Abbey and the Arenberg Castle.