Jourdainpark
The area east of the High Kraainem residential complex, at the time along the curvy road that connected Kraainem with Wezembeek, was purchased in 1883 by doctor Delphin Gaillard. The park only came to existence in 1899 when successive owner Victor Jourdain, who gave his name to the park, added 8.5 ha of marsh and woodland to the area before the start of the First World War in 1914. After his death in 1918, his heirs added the large ponds along the Kleine Maalbeek to the park, an addition of 4 ha. This included a watermill, which used the largest of the two ponds as a reservoir. The park consisted of the current ponds, but also a vegetable garden and orchard. A large portion of the park was sacrificed for the construction of highway R0 in 1973. From then on, the park was governed by the Kraainem municipality. The park hosts a large variety of rare and exotic plants and trees, including Platanus x hispanica, Tilia platyphyllos, T. tomentosa, Aesculus hippocastanum, and Sequoiadendron giganteum.
Open now · open 24 hours·Free
Jourdainkasteel
The castle was built as a farmstead with a U-shape surrounded by multiple vegetable gardens, as documented in 1771. In 1846, the farmstead was expanded, surrounded by a brick wall, and transformed into a closed farmstead (vierkantshoeve). A barn was also added, but demolished in the late 20th century. It was purchased by doctor Delphin Gaillard in 1883 together with the surrounding park. He gave the 18th century farmstead its current castle appearance, with emphasis on traditional style elements: brick masonry, corners of white sandstone, stepped gables, small towers and a roof resembling a Chinese pagoda. The castle and park were then sold to Victor Jourdain who gave his name to the castle, and in 1980 the property was transferred to the Kraainem municipality which restored the building and used it as community center. The last restoration dates from 2003, when a lift was added. The castle is occasionally opened to the public for cultural events, and is classified as Flemish Architectural Heritage. It hosted a florist until late 1990s, which occupied the large veranda. Recreation grounds with a children's farm make the castle a popular attraction for local families with kids.
Oude Pastorie
A vicarage built in 1652 with a foundation of sandstone and red bricks. The characteristic arc door and slate roof, typical for the era it was built in, have survived restoration efforts. It remained in use as vicarage until 1906, when a new vicarage was built next to the current town hall at Arthur Dezangré Avenue. The building was recognised as architectural heritage in 1976 and restored in 1990. One of the curiosities of the vicarage is a small mechanical single person elevator hidden in the tower under the saddle roof, but it has been out of service for years. The building hosts a restaurant by Maxime Collin.
A fine dining Italian restaurant, specializing in pasta dishes and antipasti. They don't serve pizza, and the owner will gladly explain to you the logic behind that decision if you ask for it. A romantic setting, 15-minute walk from the Kraainem town centre. Not suitable for families with kids. The restaurant is almost always fully booked, so reservations are mandatory.
Tue–Sat 12:00–14:30, 18:00–22:00; Sun 12:00–14:30·€10–25