Culture and History
At the Château de Steenbourg in Steene, the façades and roofs, as well as the moats and their bridge, were classified as a historic monument by decree of 24 June 1983. The Église Saint-Martin in Steene was listed as a historic monument by decree of 18 March 1947.
The Église Saint-Martin is particularly known for its twisted pillar made of hewn bricks. It also houses a remarkable ensemble of altarpieces, choir stalls, communion rail, pulpit, confessionals and organ, which is listed as a historic monument. The Château Duriez was built in 1791 at the instigation of Coppens, a shipowner from Dunkerque whom Louis XVIII had elevated to Baron of Noordland.
Those who choose Steene as the destination for their stay may wish to rent a holiday apartment.
Landscape and Paths
The Château Duriez has a 15-hectare park, rooms in the Louis XVI style and an English landscape garden with old trees.
Geographically, Steene is divided into two clearly distinct areas: the Leegveld, the lowland, and the Hooghveld, the upland.
The discovery route through Steene begins at the church car park, follows the Chemin du Calvaire and then the Chemin des Champs. It crosses a Watergang and explains how, in the 12th century, people drained the region, which was marshy at the time, by clearing land and digging drainage ditches.
Pilgrimage Tradition
The Calvaire à loques de Steene is freely accessible via the Route de Pitgam (D 352); from the signpost, a small unmarked path between two fields leads to it.
At the Calvaire à loques de Steene, numerous pilgrims attach cloths or objects to the branches surrounding it throughout the year, especially during Holy Week. At the foot of the Calvaire à loques de Steene there is a spring whose water is traditionally believed to cure fever.
