The city of Geel, located in the south-eastern parts of the Flemish region known as De Kempen, is internationally renowned for its unique way of dealing with people who suffer from mental illness. Instead of being institutionalised, for centuries these were (and still are) included in the daily life of voluntary families. Because of this, Geel obtained its title of honour City of Charity. .

 

This family-tending stems from the worshipping of saint Dimpna, an Irish king's daughter who according to legend was beheaded in a fit of insanity by her royal father in our city. After all these centuries saint Dimpna is still omnipresent in Geel. Everywhere you turn, in churches, in art galleries or in the streets, you run in to her.

 

But there's so much more to see and do. The Grote Markt, dominated by the stately church of saint Amand, is the centre of our city. With its pleasant sidewalk cafés this market place serves as a port of call for many day trippers. In one of the typical drinking-houses one might stop and enjoy a Zeunt, a local speciality-beer.

 

Starting from the Grote Markt -with ample parking space- one can stroll past the many boutiques or go on a walking or biking tour. Numerous signposted routes will lead the way through fields, forests and past gorgeous river-landscapes. One can discover our rich cultural patrimony or attend a show at the cultural centre De Werft.

 

And then, there's the many events our city is so proud of: The Palmenmarkt, still as vivid as ever after seven centuries, is without a doubt one of the highlights.

 

Winter or summer one finds a whole range of cultural, sportive and tourist activities in the city of Geel. At Hotel Verlooy, we feel in honour bound to familiarize our guests with the overwhelming amount of possibilities.