Naaldwijk brings together medieval church architecture, the history of plumbing craftsmanship and activities in the Het Prinsenbos recreation area. There are practical reference points to help you find your way: the historic circular walk starts and ends at Wilhelminaplein, while WestlandTheater De Naald is in the centre. Depending on your interests, you can focus your trip on church art, local history, classical concerts or activities on the water.

Church and architectural history

The Oude Kerk is considered one of the most significant medieval churches in Zuid-Holland. Its oldest part is the late Romanesque tower, built at the beginning of the 13th century. The church also houses a painted panel depicting the Ten Commandments. Frederik Hendrik gave it to the Oude Kerk; his coat of arms can be seen on the panel. These place the oldest structural feature alongside a specific gift to the church as two historical details.

The Heilige Geest Hofje and historic routes

The Heilige Geest Hofje adds its own chapter to the architectural history of the churches. It was built between 1627 and 1636 on the orders of Frederik Hendrik, Prince of Orange and Lord of Naaldwijk. The west wing was built in 1627 to house ten elderly women. The construction period and intended use of this wing describe different aspects of the complex: the commission for the Hofje as a whole and the purpose of one particular part of the building.

The two-kilometre historic circular walk starts and ends at Wilhelminaplein and passes the Heilige Geest Hofje; Kassen Route 3 also starts and ends at this square. Wilhelminaplein is therefore a shared point of reference for both routes, while the historic loop also has a specific length and passes the Hofje.

Activities in Prinsenbos

Het Prinsenbos is a recreation area located in Naaldwijk, beside a body of water. You can walk, swim, fish and walk your dog there. This offers a different focus alongside the historic buildings: activities in a waterside recreation area instead of architectural history on a historic walk.

Craftsmanship and music

The “Het Installatie museum” in Naaldwijk displays tools, materials and numerous devices that plumbers have used, installed and maintained over the past 100 to 150 years. It also focuses on traditional plumbing techniques. The museum therefore highlights both the tools of the trade and the techniques behind them, adding a craft theme to the history of churches and architecture.

WestlandTheater De Naald is in the centre of Naaldwijk and is easy to reach by public transport, bicycle, car and on foot. Together with Stichting Vrienden van de Oude Kerk Naaldwijk and Westland Cultuurweb, the theatre stages several classical concerts in the Oude Kerk at Wilhelminaplein under the title “Oude Kerk Klassiek”. If you are planning an evening concert, check the programme dates and use Wilhelminaplein as your reference for the venue.

Shopping and dining

Naaldwijk Winkelrijk offers more than 150 shops, as well as places for lunch and dinner. This gives you a specific option for shopping and meals during your stay. Retail and dining options change; check which shops and venues are suitable for your visit dates if needed.

Discover more destinations: Ter Heijde, 'S-Gravenzande, Poeldijk, De Lier

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