Maren-Kessel emerged after the war as a new residential development between the older centres of Maren to the west and Kessel to the east. Churches, Roman traces and the history of local routes offer different ways to explore the area’s history. The Sint-Lambertuskerk was also built in this new settlement in the early 1950s.

Church art and Roman traces

De Pastorije is a national monument dating from 1873, built in the Neo-Gothic style. An old church cemetery borders the property, and a small Marian chapel stands next to it. The house and garden are regularly opened to the public, including on Open Monumentendag and Open Kerkendag. Dates may vary, so check the event dates before planning a visit.

The Sint-Lambertuskerk has twenty stained-glass windows by Huib de Corti. They depict, among other things, the seven sacraments and the seven virtues. The windows thus add a tangible artistic and religious dimension to the church’s architectural history.

Stones from the Roman temple are displayed for all to see on Kerkplein. An online 3D reconstruction lets you view the temple stones from all sides. Another archaeological trace concerns fragments of a Roman temple that were later reused in a Roman fort in the Maren-Kessel area.

Walking and cycling routes

The “Rondje Lith - Maren” walking route is about 13 kilometres long and passes through Kessel, Maren and Maren-Kessel. It follows paved roads and paths for almost its entire length. Its approximate length and the described surface provide two concrete points to consider when including this walk in your travel plans.

The historic network of routes along the Maas also includes features in Maren-Kessel owned by the municipality of Oss. The Kerkpad was restored as part of the Lithse padenplan and still bears the historic name “den heiligen gang”. The history of local routes is therefore evident not only in longer routes, but also in traditional names and the restoration of individual paths.

The “Tempels langs de Maas” cycling route runs as a loop through Oss and neighbouring municipalities in the Maren-Kessel area. At around 16 stops, waymarkers, information panels and audio silhouettes provide information about the Roman history of each place. The two routes offer different focuses: “Rondje Lith - Maren” specifies its length and surface, while the cycling route explores the Roman history of various places at multiple stops.

The surrounding landscape

From the Kesselse dijk, you can enjoy a view of the water and natural surroundings of the Lithse Ham. The Soldatenwiel is also located near Maren-Kessel: a deep body of water formed in 1795 after a dike breach. These places add a landscape perspective to the history of churches and routes, without requiring a shared route between them.

A stay can bring together a range of interests: church architecture and stained-glass windows, visible Roman remains, historic route names, or a walking or cycling route, each with its own character. You can choose your focus based on the specific sights and route details.

Discover more destinations: Macharen, Oss, Ravenstein, Herpen, Berghem.

Go to the main travel overview: Oss.