Walk through History in Diest, Belgium, Diest, Belgium

Diest is a small city in the Belgian province Flemish Brabant. The city of Diest is located 60km east of Brussel. Diest is known for the picturesque houses at the central market place dating back to the 16th to 18th century. Go for a walk through history in Diest and learn more about this small town.

The historical town belonged to the House of Nassau, like Breda in the Netherlands, Orange in France and Dillenburg in Germany. The most famous family member of House of Nassau was William I of Orange-Nassau. His son Philip William is buried in the Sint-Sulpitius church in Diest. House of Orange-Nassau is now the reigning house in the Netherlands.

I was reading a book about Nicolas Cleynaerts, a 16th century Flemish theologian, priest, humanist and Arabist. He was progressive and advocated increasing humanity and compassion between Christianity and Islam. He was born in Diest. I was reading a book about Nicolas Cleynaerts written by Joris Tulkens (also born in Diest) when I decided to visit Diest. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).