Hasselt
Places of Interest
There are several historic buildings in the medieval city centre, such as ‘T Sweert (The Sword) on the Grote Markt square, one of the oldest half-timbered houses in the area, and St Quentin’s Cathedral, site of the first settlement in the city. The church has gone through several phases of construction throughout the ages, which is immediately apparent. The lower section is Romanesque in style and dates from the 12th century, while the steeple tower, with its magnificent carillon, was built in the 18th century.
Another significant church is the Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk (Church of Our Lady). Originally built in the 14th century, today’s church dates from the 1700s. One relic that remains from the early days of the church is the 14th century carved Madonna of the Virga Jesse, which is still venerated every year with a procession and various other festivities.
Hasselt has a number of good museums. The National Genever Museum outlines the history and production of the favourite tipple of the Flemish, genever. To find out more about the general history of the town and surrounding area, the Stellingwerff-Waerdenhof Museum has some interesting exhibits.
Shopping is a real treat in Hasselt. There are numerous pedestrianised streets lined with all the popular high street and designer brands as well as independent boutiques. The Demerstraat and the Koning Albertstraat are the two main shopping thoroughfares, while Hoogstraat and Kapelstraat are home to some of the most exclusive fashion labels. The opening of the enormous TT-Wijk shopping centre in 2003 confirmed Hasselt’s status as a major shopping city.
To get away from it all, many visitors to the city love to stroll around the Japanse Tuin, one of the biggest Japanese gardens in Europe, located within Kaparmolen Park. It is beautifully designed with several ponds, water features and cherry trees, it even has a ceremonial house and tearoom.
Another significant church is the Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk (Church of Our Lady). Originally built in the 14th century, today’s church dates from the 1700s. One relic that remains from the early days of the church is the 14th century carved Madonna of the Virga Jesse, which is still venerated every year with a procession and various other festivities.
Hasselt has a number of good museums. The National Genever Museum outlines the history and production of the favourite tipple of the Flemish, genever. To find out more about the general history of the town and surrounding area, the Stellingwerff-Waerdenhof Museum has some interesting exhibits.
Shopping is a real treat in Hasselt. There are numerous pedestrianised streets lined with all the popular high street and designer brands as well as independent boutiques. The Demerstraat and the Koning Albertstraat are the two main shopping thoroughfares, while Hoogstraat and Kapelstraat are home to some of the most exclusive fashion labels. The opening of the enormous TT-Wijk shopping centre in 2003 confirmed Hasselt’s status as a major shopping city.
To get away from it all, many visitors to the city love to stroll around the Japanse Tuin, one of the biggest Japanese gardens in Europe, located within Kaparmolen Park. It is beautifully designed with several ponds, water features and cherry trees, it even has a ceremonial house and tearoom.