The racecourse of Groenendaal was there under the impulse of King Leopold II and was opened in 1887.
Along the racecourse there used to be two metal stands between which the lodge of King Leopold II stood.
After the end of the First World War, the racecourse became a gathering place for all kinds of ammunition left behind. In 1919, a burning cigarette caused everything to explode with dozens of victims as a result. All buildings of the hippodrome were badly damaged.
Two years later the restored hippodrome was reopened. But it was not until 1924 that King Albert I built a new one in the Royal Lodge. Initially it was a low orangery, after which a rear building was added. This was provided with a tower with a round arch fronton on each side on which a dome is enthroned. Several small adjustments followed later.
The hippodrome then had many glory years and top races with the best jockeys in Europe. In 1981, a new grandstand with an original canopy design by engineer André Paduart was also built. From the end of the 1990s onwards, the equestrian sport went badly due to increasing competition from, among others, the Lotto. After the closure of the hippodrome, the neglected buildings in 2012 went against the surface. Only the Royal Lodge was retained.
Something on your wall that you can keep looking at, where you always find something new. Inspiring, intriguing, to think about or just to enjoy. Thank you!.. Read more…
Germany
Netherlands
Germany
Germany
Germany
Germany
Netherlands
Germany
Netherlands
Germany
Germany
Germany