During a 6 km walk through the historic town of Diest you get to know the history of this little but important town of East-Brabant, het Hageland. In 1229 Diest acquired its townrights, The Freedom Charter was handed over by Henry I, Duke of Brabant.

You will be impressed by the medieval atmosphere created by its many historical monuments. Some charming houses on the market square show you the prosperity of Diest during the middle ages and much later too.

The river “Demer” favourably influenced its economic development throughout many centuries. Now its water is floating quietly through the town.

It will be a pleasure to admire the former residence of the Princes of Orange-Nassau, our governors during more than three centuries. You cannot miss the beautiful building “Het Spijker”,the former refugee house of the Abbey of Tongerlo with its special front.

And what about the story of the Beguines, those independant women, living together during six centuries in this marvellous city, called “Beguinage” that appears on the famous Unesco list of World Heritage. Hectic life comes to a standstill in the narrow streets with their cobblestones.

During your visit in Diest you will discover interesting traces everywhere which complete the history of its inhabitants.