Silvolde has a special blend of church history and countryside: the Oude Mauritiuskerk offers a glimpse into medieval building phases, while the Paasberg reveals a much older geological history. The Oude IJsselroute and Slaege spelt bread add their own distinctive touches. When planning your trip, you can decide which aspects of the town interest you most.
Church history across different building phases
The Oude Mauritiuskerk is a Protestant church in Silvolde. Its history dates back to an earlier chapel built from iron ore stone. Around 1240, the present church was created by converting this chapel; it was dedicated to Mauritius. The tower and choir date from around 1425. These dates therefore refer to different stages in the building’s history, not to a single year of construction.
The Sint-Mauritiuskerk offers a different point of reference in time: it was built in 1931 to a design by architect Johannes Sluijmer. The two churches thus raise different questions about Silvolde’s architectural history: the Oude Mauritiuskerk is notable for its medieval origins and later-dated features, while the Sint-Mauritiuskerk is defined by its construction date and 20th-century design.
The tower of the Oude Mauritiuskerk can also be part of a visit. It can be climbed as part of a guided tour by prior arrangement. Please arrange your visit in advance. This makes the visiting requirement clear when planning, while adding a specific sightseeing opportunity to the church’s history.
Place of remembrance and countryside
The memorial on Doctor Dreesstraat commemorates resistance to the occupying forces. It offers a different focus from the churches: here, the subject is remembrance, not architectural history. If you are interested in a place’s history, you can distinguish between these two aspects—the development of religious buildings on the one hand and the commemoration of resistance on the other.
The distinctive, wooded Paasberg offers a geological perspective on the area. It formed roughly during the Ice Age, when a precursor of the Rhine flowed through the region. Its history is therefore quite different from the dated building phases of the churches: the Paasberg is about the formation of the landscape, while the churches reflect the work of people across several centuries.
Another way to experience the countryside and its connection to the river is the Oude IJsselroute. It runs from the Hoge Brug on the edge of Ulft, across the river to Silvolde. On the section near Silvolde, the paths pass farms and pastureland. From there, you can enjoy views of the Oude IJssel and DRU Industriepark. This section of the route therefore combines a specific trail with agricultural scenery and views of the river and industrial park.
A regional connection through spelt
A particular bread also offers a glimpse of local connections: the Silvolde-based Bakkerij Ten Have is known for its Slaege spelt bread. Grain farmer Jan Steverink grows spelt in the Silvoldse Slaege in Kroezenhoek. These names draw attention both to a well-known product and to where the spelt is grown. If you are interested in a destination’s food culture, this offers a tangible connection to Silvolde, without implying that there is a visit or tasting opportunity.
Discover more destinations: Varsseveld, Breedenbroek, Sinderen, Varsselder, Terborg, Ulft, Westendorp.
Return to the regional travel overview: Oude Ijsselstreek.
