Discover Jodoigne: Squares, History and Trails

Jodoigne combines urban history, distinctive squares and trails through the countryside. Those wishing to plan a trip featuring cultural discoveries and activity will find various points of interest here: historic buildings in Jodoigne, a circular route along the paved Chemin des Moines, exhibitions and a regional speciality. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can therefore consider whether your trip should focus primarily on history, walks, events or culinary impressions.

Historic squares with their own distinctive character

The history of Jodoigne is particularly evident in the layout and materials of its squares. In 1184, Jodoigne’s new town was laid out with a triangular market square. The fully paved Grand’Place de Jodoigne dates from the 13th century. The Gobertange stone used on the Grand’Place gives the square its characteristic bright appearance and shapes the impression made by this historic urban space.

The façade of the Ancien hôtel de Ville de Jodoigne is also clad in Gobertange stone. This makes it possible to recognise the material on several important buildings. For families and other travellers who wish to discover history not only through dates but also through visible details, a walk around the squares offers an accessible way to experience the town.

Château Pastur and Saint-Médard

Château Pastur, also known as Château de la Comté, was the residence of the Counts of Duras from the 11th century onwards. Château Pastur has been protected as a historic monument since 1971.

Another important building is the Saint-Médard church. It illustrates the transition from the Romanesque to the Gothic style. Those interested in church art and architecture can observe different stylistic periods here in a specific building. Together with the Ancien hôtel de Ville, the Grand’Place and Château Pastur, it forms a cultural focus for planning a trip.

Walk through the Jodoigne countryside

The Promenade du Stoquoy begins in the historic centre of the market town of Jodoigne and follows a circular route through the Jodoigne countryside. Along the way, it runs partly along the paved Chemin des Moines. The promenade therefore offers a different perspective from staying on the historic squares: on the one hand, there is the town’s built history; on the other, the route through the countryside. When choosing your accommodation, consider which of these travel impressions is more important for your daily plans.

Exhibitions, market and regional speciality

The Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Marché hosts exhibitions organised by the Centre Culturel de Jodoigne. The Marché de l’Ascension also takes place annually on the Grand’Place de Jodoigne. The event is therefore a recurring part of the events calendar, while specific travel plans should be adapted to the relevant period.

Jodoigne also has its own culinary speciality: the production and tasting of the cheese tart “Lë Blanke Doréye” is supported by a brotherhood. This speciality may be of interest to travellers who do not wish to limit their sightseeing to architecture and trails, but also want to discover regional traditions.

Considering Jodoigne as a holiday-apartment destination

A holiday apartment in Jodoigne can be chosen to suit different types of travel. If you want to focus on historic sites, the Grand’Place, Ancien hôtel de Ville, Château Pastur and Saint-Médard offer several specific themes to explore. If you also wish to plan time outdoors, the Promenade du Stoquoy leads from the historic centre into the countryside. Before booking, families can therefore consider whether they would rather structure their days around culture, a circular walk or an event date. What matters here is not a general classification of the place, but the personal focus of your trip.

If you would like to extend your travel planning beyond Jodoigne, you can also view the pages on Helecine, Kampenhout, Genval, Tienen, Chastre, Nivelles, Machelen and Wijgmaal.

For the higher-level travel overview: Brabant.