Open Monuments Weekend
Experience the monuments in municipality of Eersel - On Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September
During the weekend of 12 and 13 September 2026, the heritage sites listed below in Eersel, Duizel, Steensel, Vessem, Knegsel and Wintelre will open their doors, offering a wide range of things to do. This is the perfect opportunity to take a look at places you would otherwise never, or not so easily, visit – and all right here in your own neighbourhood! Entry to the heritage sites and participation in the activities is free. Would you like to read a review of the 2025 event? Click here.
-
Monulphus en Gondulphuskerk Knegsel
Monulphus en Gondulphuskerk Knegsel
Steenselseweg 2
5511 AG Knegsel
Programme 2026
Saturday 12 September
Eersel
- Historic Centre: Free guided tour of the historic centre, Poeliejoe Park, Kempenmuseum and Willibrordus Church departs at 10am and 2pm from Mariakapel on the Markt. Registration is not necessary.
- On your own: Pick up a free monument route for your car or bike from Visit Eersel.
- On your own: the ‘Pearls of Eersel’ audio trail. Listen to the stories beneath your feet at each copper pearl. Click here for the route and audio clips.
- Mariakapel: open for viewing
- St Willibrordus church: tour of church and cemetery
Duizel
- The Old Tower: Climb this historic tower accompanied by a guide.
- Duysels Huys (former church): Open for viewing
From 13:00 to 16:00, you can enjoy organ playing by Louis Bierens, or play a song yourself! - LandArt Duizel: walk the beautiful 3 km art walk route, starting at Donk 4. There is a small parking area here. Routes are also available in print, so you can walk the route from here. Click here for more info.
Vessem
- On your own: Get a free monument walking tour at one of the monuments.
- Jacobushoeve: Explore this national monument, there are ongoing guided tours.
- Jacobusmolen: Guided tours run throughout the day; watch a presentation or take part in the children’s treasure hunt.
- St Lambert’s Church: Discover the unique architecture on guided tours, climb the tower and watch a presentation about the organ. The Loret organ, dating from 1861, is played every first quarter of an hour. You can even have a go at playing the organ or the grand piano yourself!
- Brewery & Brouwershuis: Attend a live brewing process and join a guided tour. Attention to the great fire of 1904.
- Pelgrimsherberg Kafarnaüm: Relax in the experience garden, discover the labyrinth and enjoy coffee and tea on the garden terrace.
If there is sufficient interest, there will be a guided tour of the inn. - Monument Bingo: Take a stroll through the village and tick off the images on the bingo card. At the end, there will be one image left. Bingo! Pick up a free bingo card at one of the monuments. Hand it in at the Jacobusmolen; children up to the age of 12 will receive a small prize.
Knegsel
- Oude Kerkhof: Visit the site of the former medieval church.
- Church, rectory and rectory garden: Receive a guided tour from the sexton of the Monulphus and Gondulphus church.
- Historical Walks: Follow the walking routes starting from the village square. There are three routes available (leaflets available at the Sacred Heart statue): Old Cemetery Walk (4.5 km), Knegsel Accessible Walk (3.2 km) and Molenberg Walk (4.1 km).
Wintelre
- Sint-Willibrorduskerk: The church is open from 10:00 to 16:00. Mr van Hest will be present to tell you all about the history of the church and its chapel, the Marian chapel on the church square and about the nearby old schoolhouse.
Sunday 13 September
Eersel
- Historic Centre: Free guided tour of the historic centre, Poeliejoe Park, Kempenmuseum and Willibrordus Church departs at 10am and 2pm from Mariakapel on the Markt. Registration is not necessary.
- On your own: Pick up a free monument route for your car or bike from Visit Eersel.
- On your own: the ‘Pearls of Eersel’ audio trail. Listen to the stories beneath your feet at each copper pearl. Click here for the route and audio clips.
- Mariakapel: open for viewing
- St Willibrordus church: tour of church and cemetery
- Jardin Foudraine Sculpture Garden, Hint 16a: Tour of the historic farmhouse, stable and ‘Jardin Foudraine’ featuring 24 sculptures by the Eindhoven-based sculptor Theo van Brunschot (1937–1997)
- Market: admire the rolling heritage of classic cars from Kempisch Klassiek (subject to change)
Steensel
- Luciatoren & Lucia Clock: This historic tower is open exclusively on Sundays from 12:00 to 16:00. Guided tours and a presentation featuring historical footage are available.
Duizel
- LandArt Duizel: walk the beautiful 3 km art walk route, starting at Donk 4. There is a small parking area here. Routes are also available in print, so you can walk the route from here. Click here for more info.
Vessem
- Historic Centre: Join a free guided tour through Vessem to the farm on the Maaskant. The tour departs at 1.30 pm from the D’n Boogerd community centre. No booking is required.
- On your own: Get a free monument walking tour at one of the monuments.
- Jacobusmolen: Guided tours run throughout the day; watch a presentation or take part in the children’s treasure hunt.
- St Lambert’s Church: Discover the unique architecture on guided tours, climb the tower and watch a presentation about the organ. The Loret organ, dating from 1861, is played every first quarter of an hour. You can even have a go at playing the organ or the grand piano yourself!
- Brewery & Brouwershuis: Attend a live brewing process and join a guided tour. Attention to the great fire of 1904.
- Pelgrimsherberg Kafarnaüm: Relax in the experience garden, discover the labyrinth and enjoy coffee and tea on the garden terrace.
If there is sufficient interest, there will be a guided tour of the inn. - Monument Bingo: Take a stroll through the village and tick off the images on the bingo card. At the end, there will be one image left. Bingo! Pick up a free bingo card at one of the monuments. Hand it in at the Jacobusmolen; children up to the age of 12 will receive a small prize.
Knegsel
- Oude Kerkhof: Visit the site of the former medieval church.
- Church, rectory and rectory garden: Receive a guided tour from the sexton of the Monulphus and Gondulphus church.
- Historical Walks: Follow the walking routes starting from the village square. There are three routes available (leaflets available at the Sacred Heart statue): Old Cemetery Walk (4.5 km), Knegsel Accessible Walk (3.2 km) and Molenberg Walk (4.1 km).
Free guided tours
Eersel: Saturday & Sunday at 10.00 and 14.00. Departure from Mariakapel on the Markt. Free to take part; no registration required.
Vessem: Sundays at 1.30 pm. Departure from the D’n Boogerd community centre. Free to join, no registration required.
Prefer to walk past the monuments on your own? Walking route leaflets are available at various monuments in Vessem.
-
Monument route
Monument route
Get on your bike - or take your car - and explore a beautiful route of about 33 kilometres, gebase...
(33 km) -
Monument walk Vessem
Monument walk Vessem
The route takes you past special buildings and striking spots in the village centre of Vessem.
45 minutes (1.7 km)
Join in with your monument or activity in 2026!
Amaze visitors of Open Monumentendagen with your story! Do you live or work in a monument, do you own a monument or building with a special historical story? Would you like to welcome visitors to your unique location for one weekend, then sign up! Do you have a good idea for an activity that focuses on heritage within the municipality of Eersel and fits this year's theme? If so, we also look forward to receiving your application.
Conditions to participate
Committee Visit Eersel organises the open monument weekend together with local partners from the municipality of Eersel. These can be private owners of heritage sites, but also heritage associations, managers of monuments, project developers, cultural institutions, education and others. Anyone who wants to organise something in the theme of heritage and monuments is welcome to apply.
However, there are some conditions:
- You participate as a venue or activity on Saturday 12, Sunday 13 September 2026 or both. These dates are set nationwide.
- The location is a monument or has demonstrable historical value.
- The location/activity ties in with Open Monument Day and preferably also with the annual themes.
(The 2026 national theme is 'Resilient Heritage').
- Entry for visitors during Open Monuments Day is free.