Stanley Sees More of Belgium...

We had a slight break in the rain yesterday morning, so Stanley and I took advantage of it. I drove him over to check out a few of my favorite spots in the local area. Remember when I said that each town has a church in their Centrum? This is Sint Ursulakerk in Kleine Brogel. In English, that's the Church of Saint Ursula. This church was built in 1908, with stones from the quarries in Valkenburg. (I blogged about the Valkenberg castle and caves a few months ago. For more details about it, check out that entry.) Our next stop was at the Wedelse Molen in Overpelt. Stanley was very excited to see a real water mill. This one is very old, dating back to 1259. It was originally a mill that local servants brought their grain to, so that it could be ground into flour. It was a fully functioning mill until 1974. It was turned into a Tavern in 1974. The water was directed around the water wheel when Stanley and I visited. The owner keeps the mill in excellent condition, and he will redirect the water to power the mill so you can see how it all works. It's very interesting to see all of the wheels turning together inside.

Down the road, just a few minutes from the Wedelse Molen, is De Windmolen Van Sevens. You can't visit Belgium without seeing a windmill. (I think it's the law!) It was built around 1745, and is a gristmill. If you want to learn more about it, then check out this site.

You can read a little bit about the windmill's history on this sign. Stanley found it quite helpful.