Summary
Situated in the southern part of the Kempen region, Geel is a city highly regarded by Medieval pilgrims.
This reverence was directed towards Dymphna, an Irish princess from the 7th century, who is believed to have been martyred here.
She met her tragic end at the hands of her father, who was mentally unstable after the death of his wife and became infatuated with Dymphna due to her striking resemblance to her mother.
Dymphna is recognized as the patron saint for mental health and neurological conditions.
Within Geel, there exists a Medieval hospice that offers insights into the experiences of the pilgrims who journeyed here, along with the care provided by the Augustinian sisters.
Remarkably, contemporary Geel continues this legacy of psychiatric care by welcoming around 300 families who open their homes to individuals facing psychiatric difficulties.
1. Sint-Dimpnakerk
A short distance east of the town’s main market square, Sint-Dimpnakerk stands over the site where Saint Dymphna is believed to have been martyred and buried in the 7th century.
The existing structure dates back to the 14th century but suffered damage during a city-wide fire in 1489. Thus, while the church, characterized by Demer Gothic architecture, is predominantly constructed from white sandstone, the grand tower was added later in the 16th century, featuring alternating pale sandstone and darker ironstone bands.
The interior showcases art spanning centuries.
Highlighting its collection are a Romanesque triumphal cross (c. 1200), a Late Gothic ciborium (canopy) from the 16th century, the Dimpna retable from 1515, frescoes illustrating the Last Judgment (c. 1500), and the exquisite alabaster Renaissance tomb of Jan III van Merode and Anna van Gistel from 1554. The church also houses approximately 20 paintings, including the Baroque Martyrdom of Dymphna (1688) created by Godfried Maes.
Additionally, the treasury features the 17th-century reliquary of Saint Dymphna, alongside a 13th-century Romanesque wooden reliquary encased in a 16th-century Gothic shell, and two monstrances, one containing what is claimed to be the jawbone of Gerebernus, Dymphna’s confessor, also martyred by Damon.
2. Gasthuismuseum
This Medieval hospice (gasthuis), established in the late 13th century, provides insight into Geel’s charitable traditions.
The Oud Gasthuis van Geel was administered by Augustinian sisters who received pilgrims drawn to Geel through the cult of Saint Dymphna.
Many of these pilgrims were afflicted by mental illness and were cared for by the sisters, along with local residents who were ill.
The complex, which spans from the 15th to the 19th century, contains the Brick Gothic chapel from the 1470s, which also served as a ward for the sick.
The museum has been revitalized since 2017, depicting the everyday life in Medieval times and the experiences of the Augustinian sisters.
Visitors can enjoy a captivating audioguide that features narratives from 17th-century figures, allowing both the sisters and patients to share their stories about their arrival at this hospice.
3. Sint-Amandskerk
This parish church, the oldest in Geel, located on Markt, exhibits clear evidence of surviving the catastrophic fire of 1489. The nave, transepts, and choir were reconstructed using brick at the onset of the 16th century, while the Late Gothic western tower and parts of its substructure endured, crafted from white Brabant sandstone.
The interior boasts a predominantly Baroque style, with contributions from prominent Flemish sculptors of the 17th and 18th centuries.
The confessionals and paneling found in the side aisles were the work of Pieter Valckx (1734-1783), while the pulpit, crafted in 1715, was created by Willem Kerricx (1652-1719), and the impressive high altar (1748) was produced by Theodoor Verhaegen (1700-1759). Additionally, visitors should take time to admire the 17th-century choir stalls and the imagery of the apostles affixed to the columns in the nave, by Pieter Scheemaeckers (1640-1714).
4. Markt
In the 2010s, the market square situated in front of Sint-Amandskerk underwent a comprehensive transformation.
This area, which had become a large parking lot post-World War II, has since been reclaimed for pedestrians and cyclists.
The ground was laid with smooth granite and limestone slabs, arranged in a design reminiscent of Geel’s historic textile industry, resembling a draped damask rug.
Moreover, additional seating, newly planted trees, and a water feature that appeals to children in the summer have been introduced.
The surrounding cafes, bars, and restaurant terraces are now more inviting than ever.
By visiting on a Tuesday morning, one can experience the weekly market, featuring fresh produce, specialty foods, household goods, clothing, and more.
5. Cycling
If you are an adventurous traveler, cycling is a superior way to discover Geel.
Cyclists can utilize a network of 2,000 kilometers of predominantly traffic-free, paved paths, allowing easy access to both heritage sites and picturesque countryside.
This network can be navigated through numbered junctions, known as knooppunten, and detailed maps of these “nodes” are available at the tourist office located in Markt.
At the tourist office, guidance is also available for both short and long-distance routes.
While in Geel, you might wish to explore the history and legends concerning Saint Dymphna via the 46-kilometer Saint-Dimpnaroute.
Alternatively, venture into the Kempen region’s dunes through Sporen-in-het-Zand, while learning about the local folklore and historical figures along the way.
6. Molen van ‘t Veld
In keeping with the typical history of windmills, this post mill in Geel’s Elsum parish has changed locations multiple times.
Molen van ‘t Veld was originally constructed 25 kilometers away in Heist-op-den-Berg in 1796, later relocated to Elsum in 1823, where it remained operational until the last miller’s passing in 1987. Following that, this notable piece of agricultural heritage faced deterioration, but was subsequently restored and moved to Ten Aard.
Inside, numerous intriguing messages have been etched into the beams, and the ground floor has been transformed into an educational exhibit, featuring preserved implements and machinery.
On the first Sunday of each month from April to September, visitors can view the interior free of charge on Sunday afternoons.
A seasonal bakery museum is also located nearby, which will be discussed further below.
7. Stadspark
On a sunny day, a leisurely stroll to the city park, located just steps from the market square, is particularly enjoyable.
This modest yet well-maintained park is suitable for picnics and is especially welcoming for families with young children.
A new play area, introduced in recent years, caters to children aged three to ten. It incorporates wooden materials for equipment and obstacles, as well as a soft wood bark surface.
During the summer months, Stadspark hosts outdoor concerts, and by late May, the Frinket food truck festival takes place here.
8. Halle en Waag
The old town hall, De Halle, along with the adjacent former weigh house (Waag) is yet another prominent monument that catches the eye on Markt. The town hall displays a Neoclassical facade built in 1894, yet its core dates back much earlier, originating as Geel’s cloth hall from the latter half of the 15th century.
As the cloth industry declined in the 17th century, the structure was repurposed as the town hall.
Noteworthy is the 13th-century coat of arms mounted on the wrought iron balcony above the entrance.
Recently, this significant building, along with the weigh house, underwent renovation and now hosts the city’s tourism and entertainment department.
It also provides exhibition space for Geel’s De Werft culture center and features a cafe with a small terrace at the front.
9. Mosselgoren
Adjacent to the amusement park Bobbejaanland lies a nature reserve, established on the remnants of the Geels Gebroekt peat bog.
Mosselgoren is characterized by a variety of delicate biotopes including pools, wet meadows, reed beds, and woodlands populated with alder and other deciduous trees.
This area is designated as dog-free due to the presence of rare or endangered wildlife in proximity to the pathways.
Bird species such as reed warblers, bluethroats, reed buntings, and nightingales thrive in this habitat, and during the summer months, Mosselgoren is alive with colorful butterflies.
10. Bobbejaanland
Geel is one of the nearest cities to this theme park dedicated to Flemish pop legend Bobbejaan Schoepen (1925-2010). Schoepen inaugurated this park in the early 1960s as an outdoor performance venue, which has since evolved into a comprehensive theme park.
What stands out about Bobbejaanland is its collection of thrilling rides, such as the spinning rollercoaster Naga Bay, and Typhoon, featuring a first drop that is steeper than vertical. Moreover, Fury, which set a record as the fastest rollercoaster in the Benelux upon its opening in 2019 (with a top speed of 106.6 km/h), is particularly noteworthy. However, Bobbejaanland also offers over 40 attractions suited for younger visitors, including a monorail and various slides, spinners, and wheels, alongside the interactive Wondergarden playground.
11. Bakkerijmuseum
Adjacent to Molen van ‘t Veld, this museum dedicated to the art of baking is open on Sunday afternoons from April through September.
Housed within one of the oldest homesteads in the Geel area, the museum was founded by Willy Goossens, a former baker passionate about his craft.
His extensive collection features various tools and implements that provide a thorough understanding of the history of baking in the Kempen region.
Included in the collection are waffle irons, molds for marzipan, ice cream, chocolates, and speculaas.
Another interesting aspect is the display of 19th-century ”bread tokens”, which served as a primitive form of social security.
Do not overlook the homestead’s shed, which houses a collection of historic vehicles used for transporting bread and its ingredients.
12. Commonwealth Begraaftplaats Geel
Located just off Molseweg (N71) in eastern Geel, one can find a Second World War cemetery dedicated to Commonwealth troops who lost their lives in and around the city.
The cemetery consists of 400 burials, of which six remain unidentified.
These servicemen perished at various stages of the conflict; some during the withdrawal at Dunkirk in May 1940 and many more during fierce fighting in September 1944, which focused on securing crossing points on the Albert and Meuse-Scheldt Canals.
In the years that followed, several RAF personnel had been shot down or had crash-landed in the vicinity of Geel.
Prior to the war’s end, many of them were buried in nearby meadows or at St Dymphna’s civil cemetery before their remains were transferred here.
13. Molen van Larum
A mere five minutes west of Markt leads to a serene landscape where an old post mill is nestled amongst fields inhabited by sheep and goats.
The Molen van Larum was built in 1846 and integrated with a steam engine in 1900 for milling flour. The last miller sold the windmill to the city of Geel in 1973, and it has been intermittently milling flour since 1977. In 1992, both the mill and its charming surroundings were designated as a protected monument.
It presents a delightful sight for those exploring Larum, and guided tours can be arranged through Geel’s tourism and entertainment department.
14. Kinderboerderij de Heihoeve
For those visiting Geel with young children, Kinderboerderij de Heihoeve, located near the Albert Canal in the southern portion of the city, is a noteworthy attraction.
Open from March to October, the farm welcomes visitors seven days a week during school holidays.
Children can observe various domestic animals such as ponies, horses, chickens, guinea pigs, rabbits, sheep, goats, and alpacas, alongside an available playground.
Throughout the season, specific days are dedicated to various activities, including pony rides, equine grooming, and interactions with smaller animals on the farm.
This calendar is available on the farm’s official website.
15. Palmenmarkt
The largest spring fair in the region occurs in Geel over a span of five days, commencing on the Friday before Palm Sunday.
The event unfolds primarily on Markt, with additional activities extending to nearby Havermarkt and the Werft. It commences with a speech by the mayor at 18:00, followed by the ringing of bells from Sint-Amandskerk.
Subsequent to this, countless balloons are released into the atmosphere, culminating in a fireworks display at 22:00 that evening.
During the following four days, visitors can enjoy as many as 150 amusement rides and attractions throughout the city center.
The Palmenmarkt has its origins dating back to the late 14th century, a time when Geel was a vital commercial center due to its strategic location on long-distance trade routes.
