Two distinct themes stand out for your trip to Bunde: the water-rich landscape of the Bunderbos and the town’s religious architectural history. If you want to weigh nature and history differently, the distinctive details can help you decide what to discover in Bunde.
Springs, forest trails and possible wildlife sightings
Numerous springs rise in the Bunderbos. Babbling brooks and hidden pools add to the woodland scenery. The Bunderbos Springs Forest hiking route follows hiking junctions through forest trails, crosses changes in elevation and showcases the varied landscape. The route therefore combines woodland paths with noticeably varied terrain. The rare fire salamander is also found in the Bunderbos. With a little luck, hikers may spot a badger sett, too. Wildlife sightings are a possibility, not a guaranteed outcome of the hike.
The Geul and transport history
South of Bunde, the Geul flows towards the Meuse. This river landscape adds another geographical point of reference to the springs and streams of the Bunderbos. The town’s transport history also has a clear historical marker: Bunde was connected to the railway network as early as 1865. This date is part of the town’s history and refers to the connection made at the time.
Huize Overbunde and the Lourdes Grotto
The history of the former Huize Overbunde monastery and boarding school began with a donation. In 1873, Nelissen-Lemmens, the estate’s last owner, donated the Overbunde manor complex, which had been partly damaged by fire, to the Franciscan Sisters of Heijthuijsen. Two years later, in 1875, Huize Overbunde was established on the estate. Its cultural and historical significance lies in the estate’s architectural history and its religious and social history, particularly in connection with the Kulturkampf.
Another part of the town’s history can be seen at the Lourdes Grotto of Overbunde. Built in 1900, it is made of natural stone and houses a statue of Mary. Several volunteers fully restored the grotto in 2009. It was blessed again in September of that year. Two identical figures of Mary have different locations: one is at the front, for the residents of the monastery boarding school, while the other is at the rear, on Holstraat, for passers-by from Bunde and Kasen.
St Agnes churches from different periods
The present-day St Agnes Church marks the new centre of Bunde. The church and tower are clearly visible from all sides and form a landmark. Construction began in 1959: the first sod was turned on 21 June, and Dean Steegmans laid the foundation stone on 6 September. Architecturally, St Agnes Church is a concrete basilica that is not oriented eastwards. Its campanile is located in the side aisle above the baptistery; the forecourt is enclosed on three sides.
The former St Agnes Church in Bunde’s old town belongs to another chapter of the town’s history. It was a parish church and is now used as a society venue and exhibition space. Together, a landmark in the new centre and a former church with a present-day use represent different stages in Bunde’s church history.
PietĂ Chapel in Bunde
The Pietà Chapel in Bunde was built in 1928 by the Lonissen-Groene family, following the recovery of a seriously ill daughter in the family. A brightly coloured Pietà stands on the altar. Religious use is also part of the chapel’s history: it is used during the procession. Together with the Lourdes Grotto and the two St Agnes churches, it complements the natural and river landscapes with a multifaceted picture of Bunde’s religious architectural history.
Discover more destinations: Meerssen, Geulle.
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