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City and municipality in Flemish Brabant, Belgium
Photo: Fnorp at Dutch Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Diest is a town of 23,000 inhabitants in the northeastern corner of the province of Flemish Brabant in Belgium. The town is mainly known for its beguinage and ramparts.
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Beautifully restored, now with some art shops open in summer. The beguinage is enlisted as since 1998.
Main church, a beautiful example of "Demer Gothic", the "Demer" being the local small river.
This church dates back to the 13th century and lost its tower in the 17th century but it never got rebuilt.
A medieval cannon made in 1465. Out of this cannon round balls of limestone or granite were shot. Nowadays the cannon is displayed publicly on the little square in front of the Cloth Hall.
This mill was built in 1742 and stands on the city ramparts. The mill is since 2005 again in use. It is operating on every first Sunday of the month.
Nature reserve with wetlands east of the city. There is a visitor information center, with attention to children
Green hill close to the city center
Founded in 1134 and reestablished in 1834. It is situated about 6 kilometers northwest of Diest in the municipality of Scherpenheuvel-Zichem.
Mediterranean fusion restaurant, inspired by the Turkish and Indian cuisine.
Typical Belgian dishes served in a modern way.
For ice creams on a hot summer day, or even when it is raining outside.
Cozy bed and breakfast in the beguinage with private garden. It is possible to store your bike here overnight.
More than 150 kinds of tea.
By bus
The Flemish national bus company, De Lijn, has lines to Diest from for example Leuven, Aarschot and Tienen.
By bicycle
There are several very well maintained bicycle networks leading you to the city center without the need of using the regular roads. It will let you discover the beauty of the region.
By car
You can exit the E314 highway at Bekkevoort or Halen, from there on it's only a few minutes to the city center.
By plane
Brussels Airport (BRU) is relatively close and has a direct train connection to Diest.
The city center and ramparts are easily navigated on foot. Twenty minutes takes you straight across town.
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Zaventem · International · BRU
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