Visit monuments in the region during Heritage Days
Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September are dedicated to Open Monument Day. During this weekend, you can take a look at various cultural and historical buildings. Some will open their doors and guided tours will be given. We developed two cycling routes around these buildings.
Heritage Days
Open Monumentendagen (Heritage Days) is an annual weekend in the second week of September. Thousands of historical monuments as well as museums are open to everyone free of charge on these days. These days were created to make people aware of historical cultural heritage. In this way, it is hoped to stimulate interest in our history and raise awareness of the importance of preserving these monuments.
Monuments in the region
Our region has a rich history. Churches and chapels, residences and other monuments recall times long gone and all have their own story. These stories are often written down and can be traced, but during the Open Monuments Days, volunteers who care about the monument give guided tours and are happy to answer your questions. This way, you can really experience the stories at the time as well as learn more about the history.
Kempenmuseum
At the Kempenmuseum , the exhibition 'On lonely heights', about single medieval church towers, is on display until 11 September. Watercolours by Cees Kraayvanger as well as old postcards and drawings let you look at the development of these special structures through the eyes of your (for) parents.
On this last day, you can visit the museum for free. Harmonie De Kempen will give two beautiful performances. After visiting this museum, it is fun to cycle one of our routes.
Cycling routes along history
We developed two cycling routes where you stop at various monuments in the region. The route 'Op eenzame hoogte', based on the exhibition in the museum, takes you past five lonely medieval church towers, namely those of Duizel, Steensel, Hoogeloon, Bladel and Luyksgestel. This route is 65 kilometres long but can be shortened, skipping the tower of Luyksgestel. On the'Monuments Route', which is about 33 kilometres long, you get off at various monuments, ranging from churches and chapels to a watermill and a surprising stone.
The routes can be found here, you can of course also ask for them at our information point.
Which monuments can you visit?
During the Open Monuments Days, the following monuments will be open in our region as far as we know. Guided tours will be given, without appointment. So feel free to drop in.
The Jacobusmolen Vessem. Open on Saturdays between 11am - 4pm. All kinds of activities are organised for children: baking pancakes, a climbing wall, shovelling grains. There is coffee, tea and soft drinks.
Sint Lucia tower Steensel. Open on Saturdays and Sundays between 12.00 - 15.00. Guides give guided tours. Kerkdreef Steensel.
Sint Pancratiustoren Hoogeloon. Open on Saturdays and Sundays between 12.00 -15.00. Accompanied by a guide, you can climb to the bells. Documentation is also available.
The tower of St Jan de Doper Duizel. Open on Sundays between 12:00 - 15:00. Guided tours are given in and around the tower. Oude Kerkstraat Duizel.
Het Duysels Huys in Duizel. This is the former Sint Janskerk. Open on Sundays between 12.00 - 15.00. Guides are happy to answer your questions about the church and its interior. They can also tell you exactly what the building's new purpose is. Smitseind 38 Duizel.
Tower of Bladel. A volunteer gives guided tours. Open on Sundays between 13.00 -17.00. Sniederslaan 46 Bladel.
Lambertuskerk Vessem. Open on Sundays from 2pm - 4pm. Guides are present and information is available on paper. Servatiusstraat 8 Vessem.
Sint Willibrorduskerk Wintelre. Open on Sundays between 1pm - 5pm. Someone will be on hand to answer your questions. There is also information on paper.
Kempenmuseum De Acht Zaligheden Eersel. Sunday as part of Open Monumentendag with free admission. Open between 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. This is the last day you can visit the exhibition 'On lonely heights'. With a performance by Music Society De Goede Hoop.