Oud-Rekem
Village
The gardens of Aspremont-Lynden Castle
The gardens of Aspremont-Lynden Castle
Oud-Rekem is located in Belgium
Oud-Rekem
Oud-Rekem
Location in Belgium
Coordinates: 50°55′30″N 5°42′26″E / 50.9250°N 5.7072°E / 50.9250; 5.7072
Country Belgium
RegionFlemish Region
ProvinceLimburg
MunicipalityLanaken
Area
[1]
 • Total0.25 km2 (0.10 sq mi)
Population
 (2021)[1]
 • Total415
 • Density1,700/km2 (4,300/sq mi)
Time zoneCET

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.[2][3] Since 1994, it is protected as a monument.[4]

History

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

In 1795 or 96, Oud-Rekem became part of Rekem,[5] and in 1977, the municipality was merged into Lanaken.[6]

In 1994, the old centre was protected as a monument.[4] Oud-Rekem won the election for most beautiful village of Flanders in 2008.[3][7]

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.[8]

The Oude Weerd is a nearby nature reserve which consists of grasslands, hedges, and pools. It is home to badgers and beavers.[9]

References

  1. 1 2 "Bevolking per statistische sector - Sector 73042B00". Statistics Belgium. Retrieved 6 May 2022.
  2. ↑ "Oud - Rekem". River Park Maas Vallei (in Dutch). Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  3. 1 2 "Mooiste Dorp Oud-Rekem". Lanaken (in Dutch). Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 "Historische stadskern van Oud-Rekem". Agentschap Onroerend Erfgoed (in Dutch). Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  5. 1 2 "Rekem". Agentschap Onroerend Erfgoed (in Dutch). Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  6. ↑ "Lanaken". Agentschap Onroerend Erfgoed (in Dutch). Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  7. ↑ "Lo geweerd van lijst 'Mooiste dorp van Vlaanderen'". De Standaard (in Dutch). Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  8. ↑ "Kasteel d'Aspremont-Lynden". Agentschap Onroerend Erfgoed (in Dutch). Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  9. ↑ "Oude Weerd". www.natuurpunt.be (in Dutch). Retrieved 27 February 2021.
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