The best traffic-free bike rides in Aaltense Goor

The name says it all: Book Town Bredevoort

The "house" is a former teahouse belonging to the Roelvink family. It's charmingly furnished, just as a 19th-century teahouse would have been. One can easily imagine the Roelvink family arriving at any moment for their afternoon tea. It's locked, but the interior is clearly visible through the glass panes. Simply beautiful and an idyllic spot. ... BACKGROUND 1764: Bernard Andreas Roelvink was the administrator of the Stadtholder William V. His residence was expanded into the administrator's house in 1764 (the present-day Boutique Hotel & Brasserie "DE HEERLYCKHEID"). 1782: The remains of two bastions (Vreesniet and Treurniet) and the land between them (the present-day fortress park and orchard) were leased to the Roelvink family in 1782. Around 1850: B.A. Roelvink had an English garden laid out on the grounds for himself and his family, which was very fashionable at the time. 1862: The teahouse was built on the former Vreesniet bastion and is now picturesquely situated on a slight rise in the fortress park, which is bordered to the northwest by the Grote Gracht (former moat). (Source: Information signs at the teahouse and in the fortress park)

CATHOLIC PREVIOUS CHURCH: The castle chapel served as the place of worship for the small Catholic community until 1316, when the first Catholic church was built outside the castle. The foundations suggest that it served as the castle chapel before becoming the main church. This was the predecessor of the present-day Sint-Joriskerk, which was elevated to parish church status in 1535. It was dedicated to Saint George and owes its name to the patron saint of the Vogt of Bredevoort, Saint George, who slew the dragon. During the Eighty Years' War, the original Catholic church was largely destroyed and burned down in 1597 (during the siege by Prince Maurice). The tower and vaults collapsed, but parts of the walls remained standing. The Reformation began with a devastated church! From 1597 onward, Roman Catholic residents in the Netherlands were no longer permitted to hold religious services. From 1675 onwards, they used the Chapel of the Cross, located just across the border on German soil. It had been built by the Bishop of Münster, Bernhard von Galen, specifically for the Catholics of Aalten and Bredevoort. In a book, "Aalten en Bredevoort in vervlogen tijden" by B.D. Rots, it states: "When they (the Catholics) went to church at the Chapel of the Cross, they had to take shovels and spades with them to avoid any trouble. The women had to hide the gold cross they wore on Sundays, otherwise they risked having it torn off. The Catholics from Bredevoort reached the Chapel of the Cross via the church path through the Witte Veen."

PREVIOUS CHURCH: The castle chapel served as the place of worship for the small community until 1316, when the first Catholic church was built outside the castle. The foundations suggest that it served as the castle chapel before becoming the main church. This was the predecessor of the present-day Sint-Joriskerk, which was elevated to parish church status in 1535. It was dedicated to Saint George and owes its name to the patron saint of the Vogt of Bredevoort, Saint George, who slew the dragon. During the siege by Prince Maurice in 1597, the old church was largely destroyed. The tower and the vault collapsed, but parts of the walls remained standing. SINT-JORISKERK: As early as 1599, just two years after the plundering, destruction, and siege of the town, construction began on a new church building for the Dutch Reformed congregation on this site. It was built in the Gothic style, and the oak timber roof truss replaced the destroyed vault. In 1639, the church was enlarged by moving the north facade several meters. Wooden posts were placed at the original location of this facade, creating a north aisle. The church was severely damaged in the explosion of the powder tower in 1646. Further renovations and extensions took place in 1834 and 1858. The complete restoration was referred to as a "reconstruction." In 1869, the exterior walls were plastered, and this layer was removed in 1949. During this period, the church underwent another comprehensive restoration. A complete restoration was carried out in 1967. The Sint-Joriskerk is located in the historic center of Bredevoort! It is a national monument and is a protected historical site. ... FEATURES: The Sint-Joriskerk houses a beautiful Rococo pulpit dating from 1762. Old inscriptions (from 1301?) can be found on the beams beneath the so-called "peasant's attic." The figure of St. George slaying the dragon serves as a weather vane on the tower and has been reattached to the church roof. (Source: Information panels at the church)

RESTAURANT BERTRAM: Located at Het Zand 1 in 7126 BE Bredevoort, the restaurant is centrally located on the market square in Bredevoort, in the heart of the Achterhoek region. The Bertram Inn is a special place: re-established in 1994 on a former town farm dating back to 1704, it offers a romantic atmosphere reminiscent of medieval times. In addition to a seasonal lunch menu, the Bertram also serves coffee and homemade cakes and bread. Guests can also enjoy the lovely outdoor terrace. I highly recommend the delicious, homemade apple pie with fresh whipped cream. The Hotel Bertram is situated on a former town farm dating back to 1680 in the heart of Bredevoort. The hotel grounds are separate from the restaurant, just around the corner, about a 50-meter walk away. A small, cozy outdoor seating area is available exclusively for hotel guests. (Source: Bertram website)

Borgmannetjes at work

Beautiful place with pretty little brick houses

Very nice terrace with a great view of the Karpermeer