Celismolen

Celismolen is a historic watermill in Hoegaarden, in the Belgian province of Flemish Brabant, standing on the Grote Gete river at Klein Overlaar. This undershot watermill spent centuries grinding grain and today ranks among the more interesting stops for anyone exploring the area around Hoegaarden — a town best known for its wheat beer, but one that also carries a rich industrial history tied to the use of water power.

Where does the name Celismolen come from?

The mill on this site is first documented at the end of the 14th century, and records from 1340 refer to it as the "Nieuwe Molen" (New Mill) — distinguishing it from an older mill further upstream known as the "Grote Molen" (Great Mill). Because the newer mill was smaller than its predecessor, it also became known as the "Kleine Molen" (Little Mill). The current name, Celismolen, comes from the Celis family, who took over the site in the early 20th century and permanently attached their name to it.

How did ownership change over the centuries?

For hundreds of years the mill passed between various noble families before being sold to the Begard cloister in 1476. The monks carried out a thorough rebuilding of the structure, and another significant renovation followed in 1625. A turning point in the mill's history came in 1909, when the property was acquired by the Celis family. The new owners installed a turbine in a newly built shaft, renewed the entire milling installation, and introduced the first combustion engine on the site — a decision that reshaped how the mill operated for decades, moving away from purely water-driven power toward mechanical technology.

What can visitors see at Celismolen today?

In 1994, Celismolen and its immediate surroundings were granted protected monument status, recognized as part of a historic village landscape. This paved the way for a long restoration effort that culminated on 16 June 2011, when the mill's water wheel turned again for the first time in more than a century — this time generating green electricity. Restoring the wheel and its supporting infrastructure took the conservation team five years of intensive work.

Today the mill site operates as a bed and breakfast and meeting venue, with the mill building itself serving as the centerpiece of the whole complex. Visitors can admire the preserved industrial architecture, the water wheel, and the picturesque setting along the Grote Gete, where a history of engineering meets the quiet atmosphere of rural Flemish Brabant.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Celismolen located? The mill stands at Klein Overlaar 75 in Hoegaarden, on the Grote Gete river.

Is the mill still operational? The water wheel was restored and has been turning again since 2011, generating green electricity, although the mill no longer functions as a working grain mill.

Can visitors go inside the mill? The site now operates as a bed and breakfast and event space, so access to the interior is generally tied to staying overnight or attending an event held there.

Why is the mill called Celismolen? The name comes from the Celis family, who took over the mill in 1909 and carried out a major modernization of the site.