The sights of Heerlen

Well-known, larger cities are vibrant in Limburg! Heerlen is one of the largest municipalities in Limburg. Traditionally, Heerlen was fairly isolated because there were no good supply and drainage roads and the city was therefore hidden between the hills. The city was self-sufficient and derived a lot of income from mining. It was not until 1896 that Heerlen received a station and connection to the Dutch rail network, making the city accessible to the surrounding area. Thanks to a flourishing trade, the town has grown into the city it is today, with all kinds of beautiful sights worth a visit. Van Steithagen was a Dutch free lord family that owned House Streithagen. It was located on the Weltervijver, together with the Weltermolen. The house is a rectangular building that was extensively rebuilt and renovated into a villa in eclectic style, especially around 1860. The south side is decorated by a large terrace. The Weltermolen is located on the same site on the Weltervijver, which is fed by the Geleenbeek. The history of the Weltermolen dates back to 1381. According to the writings, the mill belonged to the Van Streithagen family. The current mill is an impressive structure with a mansard roof, dormer windows and a tower. Ter Worm Castle is part of the Ter Worm estate of the same name. The current complex was built in the seventeenth century on the site of its fifteenth century predecessor. During the twentieth century, the castle fell into serious disrepair until it was bought by the Van der Valk hotel chain, which restored the castle and established a hotel there. Prickenis Castle is also nice to stop at. It is a beautiful complex first mentioned in 1381. The various economy buildings surround the courtyard. Nowadays the estate is also called Klein Geitsbach. Because the house is inhabited, it cannot be visited. Another beautiful castle is Hoensbroek, also called Gebrookhoes. It is one of the largest castles in the Netherlands. The high round tower of the imposing building dates from around 1360, but around 1225 there was already a motte on this site as a precursor to the immense building. Because the location of the complex was very strategic, on important trade routes to Maastricht, Aachen and Cologne, this castle was developed into the largest castle between the Maas and the Rhine. Connoisseurs will see various architectural styles from the fourteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth centuries in the architecture of the complex. It is surrounded by a wide moat and has a rectangular courtyard. The outer baileys are both built in a U-shape. The largest part is the castle building, which covers three quarters of the complex. Then the route takes you to Meezenbroeck Castle. Although the main building was demolished around 1935, there is still much to see. Because the castle was originally built in the Caumerbeek valley, the water could be impounded and filled the canals and two southern fish ponds. These water features now form the center of a neighborhood park. The still existing castle farm was, like the main building, moated, but because many buildings were demolished and later reconstructed, the only remaining historical element is the gatehouse. The last sight of Heerlen is De Oliemolen. This 16th century watermill did not always press oil from oilseeds: its first function was to full wool. In 1829 the mill received a permit for grinding grain and from 1905 that was the only function the mill had. Currently, wheat is milled on a voluntary basis, with the mill being powered by water power.