In Ellecom, historic places and natural landscapes sit side by side: the history of the Dorpskerk spans the period from an earlier wooden building to the Romanesque tower, while the avenue, forest and pastureland show other sides of the village. The Joods monument also offers a distinct focus. You can tailor your stay to your interests, whether they lie especially in architectural history, remembrance or walks.
Church and landscape heritage
The Dorpskerk is a listed monument and was entered in the Dutch monument register in 1970 under number 42128. Archaeological investigations uncovered the remains of charred posts. They show that a wooden predecessor building stood on the site of the church and point to a fire around 900 AD. The Romanesque tower was built between 1150 and 1175. The development of the church site can therefore be traced through two different building periods: the archaeological evidence of an early wooden structure and the later construction period of the tower.
The Middachter Allee in Ellecom also connects landscape and history. The beech avenue dates from 1751 and lies between De Steeg and Ellecom. It is lined by two double rows of old beech trees. These rows make the avenue itself its defining feature: unlike at the church, the focus here is not on individual building phases, but on a designed succession of trees. For visitors interested in cultural heritage, it offers a different perspective from the architectural history of the Dorpskerk.
A memorial site with a specific purpose
The Joods monument is a table cast in bronze, with 136 pebbles laid on it. It commemorates three Jewish men who lost their lives while working on Landgoed Avegoor. The monument stands in the garden of Villa Irene on Zutphensestraatweg in Ellecom. While the history of the Dorpskerk is about construction and change, this site is expressly dedicated to remembering the three men. Its form and the number of stones are part of the description of the monument; the reason for its commemoration relates to the history of Landgoed Avegoor.
Nature, pastureland and wildlife watching
Ellecom’s nature and activity areas include the Middachterbossen and the water extraction area. The Havikerwaard is a pasture area connected with Ellecom. In winter, it is an important feeding area for geese—a specific seasonal feature of the landscape. Nature lovers will therefore find a different focus here from the historic buildings and memorial site.
In the Middachterbos, north of the Arnhem–Zutphen railway line, walkers may encounter wild boar or red deer during quiet periods. This possibility is explicitly limited to quiet periods. Landgoed Avegoor also includes a park with opportunities for walks. There are thus different settings for walking: a park on the estate, a woodland where wildlife encounters are possible, and the pastureland and natural areas around Ellecom.
Circular walk and events
The route description dated 28 October 2024 takes the short circular walk “Veluwerandrondje Ellecom” through Ellecom, on the edge of Veluwezoom and IJsseldal. The route follows forest paths with streams, bridges and a waterfall to Landgoed Avegoor. A footpath also leads towards the centuries-old Dorpskerk and then continues to the estate. The described circuit therefore links forest paths with two specific destinations. If you plan to take the circular walk, it is advisable to check the current route before setting out.
The Dorpskerk is also a venue for concerts, lectures and presentations. If an event is to be the focus of your stay, check the current schedule in advance. Alongside its architectural history, the church offers another way to experience Ellecom: it is not only a historic site but also a venue for a range of events.
Discover more destinations: De Steeg, Velp, Rheden, Dieren.
Return to the main travel guide: Rheden.
