In Sint-Kwintens-Lennik, hamlets, field chapels, the church and the market reveal different aspects of the town’s history. The landscape and communal use can be traced at ’t Nelleken; at Sint-Kwintenkerk and on the market, architectural history and art add further dimensions. The town offers several specific themes to help you plan your trip, which you can prioritise according to your interests.
Landscape and chapels
The hamlet of ’t Nelleken developed as a Dries settlement: the triangular area served as communal pasture where livestock could graze. Dries ’t Nelleken has been recognised as a protected monument since 2010 and is part of an anchor place in the landscape atlas. Here, the historic settlement form and its protected status are directly connected.
The Sint-Berlindis Chapel stands at one corner of this Dries. This is where Oude Geraardsbergsestraat, Moeilleweg and Eizeringenstraat meet. The centuries-old Saint Barbara field chapel has a different connection to the landscape: it lies northwest of the village centre in the rolling countryside of the rural Pajottenland. Old lime trees line the chapel at the crossroads of the country lanes Molenstraat, Oude Geraardsbergsestraat and Sint-Barbarastraat. Its architecture dates to around 1750.
The Saffelberg Chapel also connects architecture and landscape: the protected landscape includes the Neo-Gothic Onze-Lieve-Vrouw Chapel, also known as the Saffelberg Chapel. It dates from 1879–1880, is surrounded by lime trees and stands at a crossroads. Nature and garden enthusiasts may also wish to note a special lime tree: in the garden of the castle of Sint-Kwintens-Lennik stands a vine-leaved lime, Tilia platyphyllos ’Vitifolia’. This rare variety came onto the market around 1870; the specimen is considered the second thickest known in Belgium.
Church architecture and local art
Sint-Kwintenkerk brings together several historical periods. Construction of its choir began around 1250 and was completed towards the end of the 13th century. The crossing tower dates back to the mid-14th century and was rebuilt after a fire; its tall spire, added in 1867, defines the church’s distinctive silhouette. In the right aisle hangs a painting by Casper De Crayer, completed around 1657, depicting the martyrdom of Saint Kwintinus. This makes it possible to distinguish the church’s architectural history from its religious art.
Another artistic landmark stands in the market square: the four-metre-high statue “Prins, Trots van Brabant” by Koenraad Tinel. It was inaugurated on 6 September 1992. Its specific location and date give the work a different historical context from the church’s older architectural elements.
Jaarmarkt and hiking
The Jaarmarkt in Sint-Kwintens-Lennik features animal competitions with horses, cattle, poultry, sheep, goats and dogs. There is also a fair showcasing traditional crafts, as well as numerous food and drink stalls. The programme may change, so before your trip, check whether the Jaarmarkt falls during your stay and which events are scheduled.
A specific public transport connection is also given for the Windherenwandeling: the “Sint-Kwintens-Lennik Marktplein” bus stop is 36 metres from the walk’s starting point. Routes R42, 621, 160, 164, R72, 65, 622 and 163 serve the stop. As routes and services can change, check the connection for your travel date.
Discover more destinations: Wemmel, Court-Saint-Etienne, Chastre, Linter, Ittre, Nivelles, Heverlee, Overijse
For the broader travel overview: Brabant.
