Schoonselhof Cemetery

Iconic Schoonselhof has a long and varied history. In the 16th century, a ‘house of pleasure’ was erected here, serving as a countryside retreat for wealthy families. Over the centuries, ownership passed through several hands until the city of Antwerp acquired the estate at the start of the 20th century, intending to turn it into a municipal cemetery. That turned out to be necessary. before a single body had been buried, the First World War broke out: plots were laid out by nationality and faith to bury those who fell in the region. 

Just a stone’s throw from Schoonselhof, you’ll find another beautiful estate: Sorghvliedt Castle. The castle, its coach houses and the entrance gate are designed in a classical rococo-inspired style. Above the main entrance, you’ll see an eye-catching display of spears, drums and armour, a tribute to the military career of Colonel Jean-Joseph du Bois, one of the estate’s former owners. Since the late 1930s, the castle grounds have been a public park.