13 and 14 September 2025
What a fantastic review of the Open Monuments Days in the municipality of Eersel! It was the first time the event was organised on this scale and it was an instant success. The sunny weather certainly contributed to the large turnout.
Highlights
In Vessem, the tower climb of the Sint-Lambertuskerk was a real highlight. Small groups went up to the bell and on to the top of the tower. Meanwhile, the sounds of the organ and piano filled the church, played by many enthusiastic hands. Visitors' reactions were laudatory: from "How cool!" to "Insane that we can see this once. The Kempenmuseum in Eersel also had a successful weekend with an ample number of visitors on Saturday and Sunday. One of the highlights was the 'tree walk', organised by Visit Eersel, which ended at the Kempenmuseum.
There was plenty of traffic in Steensel too!
It was quite busy in Steensel on Sunday afternoon. Stinsels Archief volunteers showed nearly 100 people around the Lucia Tower, an unprecedented number. Visitors came not only from Steensel, but also from the surrounding villages. The tour reflected on Gerard Cox's link to Steensel, whose grandfather, the creative and musical Pieter Cox, was head teacher in the village for 30 years. The news of Gerard Cox's death made the story extra emotional.
An instant success!
For the pelgrimsherberg Kafarnaüm in Vessem, it was the first time they participated in the Open Monument Days. On both Saturday and Sunday, the inn had calls from locals and tourists. People were especially curious about the inn and visited the garden and the labyrinth. For many Vessem residents, it was a discovery that the inn is open all year round for a cup of coffee.
The other monuments in Vessem also did extremely well. At the Jacobusmolen , three millers were continuously giving guided tours. The church attracted a lot of attention as visitors could play the organ and enter the tower. De Jacobushoeve gave several guided tours and a walk through the village culminated in a visit to the oldest farm in Brabant. Continuous tours were also given at the brewery and there was even live brewing on Sunday.
To be repeated!
With the many enthusiastic reactions and high visitor numbers, the organisers look back on a very successful weekend. Many agree: the event is worth repeating! For everyone who could not be there this year, there is good news: next year in September, the doors of the monuments in the municipality of Eersel will definitely open again.
