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Opposite the church and castle you'll find one of the best breweries in Belgium. Well, at least that's what I think. It's a small family brewery that is in business since 1886 and hasn't compromised to trends and fashions for a very long time; one of their recipes hasn't changed in over 80 years, but recently a few "trendy" beers were introduced, including a banana beer. Sad, perhaps. But maintaining a brewery without compromising isn't easy. The brewery is of mostly local importance; you'll find its beers in every bar around (except for those nasty "trendy" places) . Not really important but worth mentioning; in charge of the brewery is An de Ryck, who for a long time was the only female brewer in Belgium.
The beers aren't easily found elsewhere in Belgium, let alone outside Belgium, which is a shame but also makes for a great excuse to make the trip. You can buy the beers at the brewery itself. They're sold in casks of various sizes and bottles, small (0,5 liter) plastic ones and big (0,75 liter) glass ones. Apart from that they sell other things, like cheese that's been prepared with beer. Also t-shirts, glasses and other merchandise. Everything for the dedicated fan. And you will become one, I'm sure.
The brewery is open for buying beer etc. at weekdays and saturday morning until 13.00. Call or mail in advance to make sure; these times aren't mentioned on the website because, as An told me, they might want to take a day off once in a while.
Visitors are greeted with a free glass of beer. Guided tours through the brewery are possible for larger groups, but call for an appointment first.
Updated Oct 24, 2006
Phone: +32 053 62 23 02
Website: http://www.brouwerijderyck.be/
This brewery is not in Herzele itself but is located in nearby Sint-Lievens-Esse which is part of the Herzele municipality. Like De Ryck this is an old family brewery from the late 19th century. Beers are available in many specialised shops in Belgium so I never felt the need to buy them at the brewery, if that is possible at all. I did have the pleasure of visiting the brewery though, on a tour of Belgium with a few friends. Even though the brewery was closed for visitors and the brewer was very busy his wife agreed to show us the place "for 15 minutes only". It turned out to be a little longer than that and we ended up seeing almost everything. Some parts of the brewery must not have changed much ever since it opened in 1897!
The beers; the brewery makes four abbey-style beers under the Pater Lieven brand name. I like the dark one especially. Another classic is Buffalo, which is the oldest of them all. It has a slightly burned caramel flavour, the result of a small "accident" when the brewer forgot about his work when Buffalo Bill's circus passed through the village. Hence the name.
Written Jan 18, 2005
Herzele in the Middle Ages was ruled from a castle. This castle was founded in the 7th century. It was a primitive building, made of wood and dirt. In the 11th century a new castle was built of stone. This castle was destroyed in the 14th century and rebuilt after 1400. It was a square complex with a tower on each corner. In 1579 Spanish troops destroy this castle except for one tower, which is still standing. Apart from this tower the foundations of the castle are visible. Officially access to the castle is prohibited without guidance, but no one will stop you if you ignore the signs. However, it is for your safety too, as there are a few dangerous spots here and there.
Written Jan 17, 2005
A big church in a very Flemish neo-Gothic style, entirely built of natural stone and with a Romanesque tower. The church dates from 1912 but was built using the stones of the predecessor.
I found the door of the church open and went in. The interior is sober but nice. Ropes block the access to the choir and the transept, so you can only walk through the nave and see the rest from some distance.
Updated Jan 17, 2005
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A big church in a very Flemish neo-Gothic style, entirely built of natural stone and with a Romanesque tower. The church dates from 1912 but was built using the...
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