A Belgian Town's Curious History: Diest Walking Tour

Diest is a small Belgian city that refuses to be summarised simply. On this walking tour, you'll trace its thousand-year story through colours — from the orange of a dynasty that shaped its streets to the gold of a Paralympic champion who became its first honorary citizen. Starting at Diest railway station, you'll cross the River Demer into the old town, follow the green ramparts of 19th-century fortifications, pass through the UNESCO-listed Begijnhof, and cross the Grote Markt — alive in 1460 with cattle, woad-dyed cloth, and scarlet worth more than a week's wages. Along the way, hear how the Demer carried grain, beer, and timber for centuries; how a 13-year-old prince was seized on the road to Leuven and held in a Spanish prison for 28 years; and how a boy from Diest sailed to Brazil and ended up with a crater on Mars named after him. You'll also discover Marieke Vervoort, the Beast from Diest, who won gold in London and silver in Rio while living with constant pain.