Casteren Walk: 5 km
The village is referred to as ‘Casterle’ in old documents. Based on Roman artefacts found in the area, it is believed that the name is derived from the Latin word ‘Castra’, meaning ‘military camp’. Casteren only became an independent parish in 1852; before that, the church was part of the parish of Netersel.
The route starts in the village centre of Casteren. From there, you’ll pass through a varied landscape of farmland and nature, before returning to the village.
You start at the ‘ Bladel ’s 25th Anniversary’ bench by the small lawn on Durkijk. Walk down Durkijk towards the church. At the end of the street, turn right. You will now find yourself in what is locally known as the ‘Marktpleintje’. The square is officially called Frans Bruursplein, named after the village’s only war casualty.
On the pl…
The village is referred to as ‘Casterle’ in old documents. Based on Roman artefacts found in the area, it is believed that the name is derived from the Latin word ‘Castra’, meaning ‘military camp’. Casteren only became an independent parish in 1852; before that, the church was part of the parish of Netersel.
The route starts in the village centre of Casteren. From there, you’ll pass through a varied landscape of farmland and nature, before returning to the village.
You start at the ‘ Bladel ’s 25th Anniversary’ bench by the small lawn on Durkijk. Walk down Durkijk towards the church. At the end of the street, turn right. You will now find yourself in what is locally known as the ‘Marktpleintje’. The square is officially called Frans Bruursplein, named after the village’s only war casualty.
Since 1990, the square has been home to a striking bronze statue known as ‘Caastere Kermis’. The statue was created by Toon Grassens. It depicts a family consisting of a father, mother and baby. They are travelling to the fair in a covered wagon. The statue refers to Casteren ’s rich history as a fairground village. The fair was originally held on the first Sunday after 7 November. As the weather was often poor at this time of year, the fair was later moved to September.
Opposite Frans Bruursplein stands St Willibrord’s Church. Around 1905, the old church was demolished and in 1907, architect Caspar Franssen built a new church on this site. In 1935, two side aisles were added to the church. Inside the church stands a statue of Saint Elizabeth.
If you’re facing the church, turn left into Kerkstraat. Then take the first street on the left; this is Willibrordusstraat. Junction 68 is at the next crossroads. From here, you can follow the junction route.
At junction 7 stands a chapel dedicated to Mary, Queen of Peace. It is a modern chapel; the brick building was officially consecrated and opened in 2005. Marc Barben is the architect. The little chapel has a turret with a clock and four stained-glass windows. The statue of Mary is made of sandstone. The chapel is open to visitors during the day.
Here’s what you’ll see
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68
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66
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65
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07
- 68
- 66
- 65
- 07