Duden Park, Protected heritage park in Forest, Belgium
Duden Park spans 24 hectares with mature beech trees and sloping terrain that rises from 55 meters to 90 meters in elevation across the Forest district. A neoclassical castle sits at its center, surrounded by wooded pathways and natural valley formations.
The grounds belonged to Forest Abbey in the 12th century and later served as hunting territory for the Habsburg dynasty. Wilhelm Duden acquired the estate in 1875, shaping what would become the modern park.
The neoclassical castle within the grounds now houses the LUCA School of Arts, where students study and create among historic walls. The space blends preserved architecture with contemporary creative practice in a lived setting.
The park is accessible via various pathways that wind through forest and across slopes, offering different levels of difficulty. Visitors should be prepared for uneven terrain and inclines, particularly during wet seasons.
A 15th-century stone cross sits at the intersection of Brussels Road and Mystery Street, marking centuries of local history at this specific spot. The monument is small and easily overlooked by passing visitors.
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