Kasteel Hemelrijk

Kasteel Hemelrijk in Sint-Pieters-Leeuw dates to the 17th century with modifications from the early 18th century, featuring a distinctive polygonal tower with radial windows and characteristic period stonework. Originally inhabited by the De Rusebroec family from the 12th century and later by the T'Serclaes and Cuypers families, the castle was acquired in 1865 by industrialist Henri-Joseph Rey, who converted it into a convent school. Today the complex functions as the free primary school Jan Ruusbroec, surrounded by modern school buildings while preserving the original castle structure and a 1901 school wing with rounded arcades. A war memorial on the northeastern gable commemorates WWI casualties.