Oud-Rekem

Oud-Rekem is a village in the Lanaken municipality of the Limburg province of Belgium. The village is considered one of the most authentic villages of Belgium.[1][2] Since 1994, it is protected as a monument.[3]

Oud-Rekem
Village
The gardens of Aspremont-Lynden Castle
Oud-Rekem
Location in Belgium
Coordinates: 50.9250°N 5.7072°E / 50.9250; 5.7072
Country Belgium
RegionFlemish Region
ProvinceLimburg
MunicipalityLanaken
Time zoneCET

History

Oud-Rekem was first mentioned in 1140 as Radekeim.[3] The village was first a heerlijkheid. In 1356, it became a barony, and was elevated to county in 1623.[4]

During the 16th, 17th and 18th century, the town was located in a heavily contested area. Oud-Rekem was plundered, and had to station troops on multiple occasions.[3] In 1602, the first walls were erected around the town. Between 1625 and 1630, a second layer of defence was erected. In 1638, a third wall was built in between the first and second. Even though the walls were removed between 1825 and 1836, traces are still visible.[3]

In 1795 or 96, Oud-Rekem became part of Rekem,[4] and in 1977, the municipality was merged into Lanaken.[5]

In 1994, the old centre was protected as a monument.[3] Oud-Rekem won the election for most beautiful village of Flanders in 2007.[2][6]

Sights
Donkeys in Oude Weerd

The Aspremont-Lynden Castle is located in the centre. The original castle dated from the Carolingian era. A larger castle was built in 1350 and existed until 1507. In 1597, the current castle was built by Count Herman d'Aspremont-Lynden. In 1792, the castle was confiscated by the French who demolished parts of the building. In 1921, the castle became a psychiatric hospital. The castle is surrounded by a large garden.[7]

The Oude Weerd is a nearby nature reserve which consists of grasslands, hedges, and pools. It is home to badgers and beavers.[8]

References
  1. "Oud - Rekem". River Park Maas Vallei (in Dutch). Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  2. "Mooiste Dorp Oud-Rekem". Lanaken (in Dutch). Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  3. "Historische stadskern van Oud-Rekem". Agentschap Onroerend Erfgoed (in Dutch). Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  4. "Rekem". Agentschap Onroerend Erfgoed (in Dutch). Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  5. "Lanaken". Agentschap Onroerend Erfgoed (in Dutch). Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  6. "Lo geweerd van lijst 'Mooiste dorp van Vlaanderen'". De Standaard (in Dutch). Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  7. "Kasteel d'Aspremont-Lynden". Agentschap Onroerend Erfgoed (in Dutch). Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  8. "Oude Weerd". Natuurpunt (in Dutch). Retrieved 27 February 2021.
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