Roman burial mound walking route | Myths & Legends
Shhh! Be quiet as you walk past the mysterious burial mound. For here lies Titus Flavius, a Roman and former professional soldier. Although, whether he really still lies here is open to question. The burial mound you see now is, in fact, a reconstruction of the original. And yet… you can never be quite sure how long a soul lingers in one place. Incidentally, there’s another rumour circulating about this hill. It’s said to be the home of the Gnome King Kyrië and his people. It’s no coincidence that this hill is also known locally as the Gnome Hill. Cast a sidelong glance at the hill and you might just catch a glimpse of something moving out of the corner of your eye. Could it really be true?
The Kleine Beerze was there all…
Shhh! Be quiet as you walk past the mysterious burial mound. For here lies Titus Flavius, a Roman and former professional soldier. Although, whether he really still lies here is open to question. The burial mound you see now is, in fact, a reconstruction of the original. And yet… you can never be quite sure how long a soul lingers in one place. Incidentally, there’s another rumour circulating about this hill. It’s said to be the home of the Gnome King Kyrië and his people. It’s no coincidence that this hill is also known locally as the Gnome Hill. Cast a sidelong glance at the hill and you might just catch a glimpse of something moving out of the corner of your eye. Could it really be true?
The Kleine Beerze has always been there. But the people who worked, lived and passed by this river have changed. This 10-kilometre circular walk offers you a unique insight into traces of the Roman Empire and – who knows – perhaps a glimpse of Kyrië, the Gnome King.
Put on your (waterproof) walking boots, set off from the edge of the village of Vessem and stroll through the lush grassland with the Kleine Beerze on your right. Can you hear the frogs croaking, or the black-tailed godwit, the meadow pipit or the yellow wagtail singing? It’s quite possible in this peaceful, green area. The walk continues along the Kleine Beerze: through woodland and farmland, between sweeping meadows and long avenues. In the typical Brabant village of Hoogeloon , you can pop into one of the local pubs or cafés for a well-deserved break with a bite to eat or a drink. The route then continues past the site where the Roman Titus Flavius had a luxurious stone villa built. You’ll also pass that remarkable Roman burial mound where, according to local myth, the gnome king and his people once lived. From the observation tower, you’ll enjoy a magnificent view of the water-rich landscape around the burial mound.
Kleine Beerze: A stream valley full of stories
For over 10,000 years, the Kleine Beerze has attracted passers-by who have stayed there for shorter or longer periods. Hunter-gatherers, Romans, gnomes, pilgrims, marauders, pedlars and – nowadays – walkers.
Where there are people, stories come to life. Let yourself be carried away along five circular walks through the enchanting stream valley of the Kleine Beerze. Discover myths that sought to explain supernatural phenomena, and mysteries that remain unsolved.
Roman roots
In the first century AD, the Romans settled in the fertile stream valley of the Kleine Beerze. Following the collapse of the Roman Empire, their structures fell into disrepair. What remained was a mysterious hill whose significance no one understood. According to a myth, the helpful little people of Gnome King Kyrië lived in this hill, which was renamed Kabouterberg. When Kyrië was killed by a hunter, the gnomes – so the myth goes – left the area.
Is the Roman burial mound the final resting place of the Roman veteran Titus Flavius, or perhaps also that of the Gnome King Kyrië? Nobody knows for sure.
Experience exciting local tales in Brabant
In Brabant, myths and legends live on. Beautiful routes take you past the most impressive spots where local tales come to life. There are five routes centred on the myths and mysteries of the Kleine Beerze, the Holy Oak, the Mysterious Coin Hoard, the Beerse Strijkster, Steengoede Sporen and the Roman burial mound. Are you brave enough to set off on a journey of discovery through Brabant with these Myths & Legends routes? View all the routes here.
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Signposting for the Roman burial mound discovery trail | Myths and Legends
Follow the red signs or the yellow-green signposts from junction to junction and walk the Roman burial mound route.
Signposting for the Roman burial mound discovery trail | Myths and Legends
Follow the red signs or the yellow-green signposts from junction to junction and walk the Roman burial mound route.
Here’s what you’ll see
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Starting point:
Starting point: Kleine Beerze, Vessem
Hoogeloonseweg
5512 Vessem
Navigate to the starting point -
46
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21
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22
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41
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75
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70
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96
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40
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Kabouterberg / Roman burial mound
Kabouterberg / Roman burial mound (Stop 4)
Kabouterberg / Tumulus burial mound
Hoogeloon
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41
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41
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22
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21
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46
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End point:
Starting point: Kleine Beerze, Vessem
Hoogeloonseweg
5512 Vessem
Navigate to the destination
- 46
- 21
- 22
- 41
- 75
- 70
- 96
- 40
- 41
- 41
- 22
- 21
- 46