The best running trails around Woudrichem

The Johannes Nepomukkerk is the Catholic church of the parish core of Woudrichem within the Sint Elisabethparochie. The church is located in the Woudrichem fortress on the Vissersdijk. The church was built after a small group of Woudrichem Catholics had asked King Willem I for permission to establish a church and to give the appointed pastor an annual salary. On 1 June 1836, King Willem I gave a favourable decision. In the municipal council meeting of 29 June 1836, the mayor announced the establishment of the parish. In 1837, the parish had raised enough money to start construction. After the Woudrichem Catholics had used an emergency church until 1838, the Waterstaat church in neoclassical style was completed in 1838, designed by J. de Kroon. The first stone was laid on 20 March 1838 by J.P. Wilmer, the secretary of the vicariate. Characteristic is the arched niche above the entrance, with Doric columns and the statue of Johannes Nepomucenus. The hall church has an octagonal bell tower on the roof with a dome covered in zinc. Source Wikipedia

Fortified town Woudrichem, or Woerkum, as the residents call it, is the only town of the Biesboschlinie. In the 9th century, a market place was created on a riverbank. Today, this is where the Hoogstraat and the Molenstraat intersect. This place is still the heart of the fortified town. Historical context: History Woudrichem is strategically located at the confluence of the Maas and Waal, at the intersection of 3 provinces. The Land van Altena, to which Woudrichem belongs, belonged to the County of Holland from 1322. It was not until 1815 that it was incorporated into the new province of North Brabant. Woudrichem was granted city rights in 1356. In that year, the count's river toll from Niemandsvriend van Sliedrecht was also moved to Woudrichem. A few years later, the town also received fishing rights and flourished. The Martinuskerk and city walls date from this period. In 1420, the toll was moved to Gorinchem. This event, the St. Elizabeth's flood of 1421 and the many military conflicts in which the town was involved due to its location, caused the decline of the town. The many sieges have left their mark on Woerkum. In 1573, the Geuzen set fire to the town. They considered it indefensible. A new city wall was then built, which protected a smaller area than the old city wall had done. This city wall is the fortress wall that still encloses the center. In 1814, Woudrichem became part of the New Dutch Waterline. From that time on, no more building was allowed in the surrounding land. It was not until 1955 that the fortress was closed and new residential areas were built around the town. The historic city center is a protected cityscape. Source: https://biesboschlinie.com/zien-doen/bezichten/woudrichem/

Old signpost shows you the way in the present.

Woudrichem is a tiny old fortified town in the northernmost point of North Brabant, where the rivers Maas and Waal meet. Pass through the city gates and you will be taken back in time by the charm of the town.

Enjoy the waterfronts. Every season has its own protagonists. When you pass by here you are the lucky one to witness the spectacle of our feathered friends.

Together with Gorinchem and Slot Loevestein, Woudrichem forms the so-called Fortress Triangle at the intersection of the Waal, Afgedamde Maas and Merwede. Woudrichem has a rich history. In 1356 it received city rights. The old ramparts are still virtually intact. Of the five city gates, however, only the Gevangenpoort remains. The Hoogstraat is particularly beautiful with its valuable buildings and beautiful facade stones.

A detour is worthwhile

Beautiful town, and the area is also very worthwhile. Nice crossing to Loevestein and beautiful old and new ships in the harbor and surroundings.