Oud-Rekemis a village in theLanakenmunicipalityof theLimburgprovinceofBelgium.The village is considered one of the most authentic villages ofBelgium.[2][3]Since 1994, it is protected as a monument.[4]
Oud-Rekem | |
|---|---|
Village | |
 The gardens ofAspremont-Lynden Castle | |
  Oud-Rekem Location in Belgium | |
| Coordinates:50°55′30″N5°42′26″E/ 50.9250°N 5.7072°E | |
| Country |  Belgium |
| Region | Flemish Region |
| Province | Limburg |
| Municipality | Lanaken |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.25 km2(0.10 sq mi) |
| Population (2021)[1] | |
| • Total | 415 |
| • Density | 1,700/km2(4,300/sq mi) |
| Time zone | CET |
History
editOud-Rekem was first mentioned in 1140 as Radekeim.[4]Thevillagewas first aheerlijkheid.In 1356, it became abarony,and was elevated tocountyin 1623.[5]
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.[4]In 1602, the firstwallswere 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 between1825and 1836, traces are still visible.[4]
In 1795 or 96, Oud-Rekem became part ofRekem,[5]and in 1977, the municipality was merged intoLanaken.[6]
In 1994, the old centre was protected as a monument.[4]Oud-Rekem won the election formost beautiful village of Flandersin 2008.[3][7]
Sights
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TheAspremont-Lynden Castleis located in the centre. The original castle dated from theCarolingianera. 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 apsychiatric hospital.The castle is surrounded by a large garden.[8]
TheOude Weerdis a nearby nature reserve which consists of grasslands, hedges, and pools. It is home tobadgersandbeavers.[9]
References
edit- ^ab"Bevolking per statistische sector - Sector 73042B00".Statistics Belgium.Retrieved6 May2022.
- ^"Oud - Rekem".River Park Maas Vallei(in Dutch).Retrieved27 February2021.
- ^ab"Mooiste Dorp Oud-Rekem".Lanaken(in Dutch).Retrieved27 February2021.
- ^abcde"Historische stadskern van Oud-Rekem".Agentschap Onroerend Erfgoed(in Dutch).Retrieved27 February2021.
- ^ab"Rekem".Agentschap Onroerend Erfgoed(in Dutch).Retrieved27 February2021.
- ^"Lanaken".Agentschap Onroerend Erfgoed(in Dutch).Retrieved27 February2021.
- ^"Lo geweerd van lijst 'Mooiste dorp van Vlaanderen'".De Standaard(in Dutch).Retrieved27 February2021.
- ^"Kasteel d'Aspremont-Lynden".Agentschap Onroerend Erfgoed(in Dutch).Retrieved27 February2021.
- ^"Oude Weerd".www.natuurpunt.be(in Dutch).Retrieved27 February2021.
External links
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Media related toOud-Rekemat Wikimedia Commons
