Blegny-Mine is one of the four major coal mines in Wallonia, a recognised UNESCO world heritage site. It is an authentic coal mine with underground galleries accessible for the visitors through the original shaft.
In Blegny, the coalworking started in the 16th century under the impulse of the Monks of Val-Dieu, owners of the coal area. The first granting, Trembleur, was allowed to Gaspar Corbesier in 1799. This marked the beginning of the industrial coal working. Corbesier's descendants get the granting Argenteau which is settled near Trembleur. both grantings were put together in 1883 and totalise 2,171 acres. In 1887 the activities stopped for 30 years and the company is put into liquidation.
In 1919, a new company was created and the family Ausselet grounded the 'Company of Argenteau'. the production grew rapidly and reached 84.000 tons in 1931. During the Second World War, the tour of the pit 1 and the coal-washing building were destroyed. Coal extraction still remained by using the 'Pit Mary' but consequently with a lower rate of production. From 1942 till 1948 the pit and the wah-and-sorting building were reconstructed.
The production continued and reached 232.000 tons for 680 mineworkers. In 1975, the Industrial ans Social Ministerial Committee of Belgium stopped state grants to coal mines. In the region of Liège, the coal mines were closed one by one. The latest one 'Argenteau-trembleur' closed on March 31st, 1980.
References:Kakesbeck is one of the largest medieval fortifications in Münsterland and the oldest castle in Lüdinghausen. The imposingly grown complex originated in 1120 as a motte, a small hilltop tower castle. After numerous changes of ownership, the castle was extended onto two islands, but it was not until the 14th century that it underwent significant alterations and extensions under the von Oer family. The estate experienced its heyday in the middle of the 18th century, when it covered an area of almost one square kilometre and consisted of five further outer castles in addition to the core castle, which were secured by ramparts and moats.
The well-maintained condition of the castle today is thanks to the late Wilfried Grewing, the former lord of the castle. The foundation named after him has been particularly committed to preserving the property since 2020.