Discover Benschop through its architectural history, rural settlement patterns and memorial sites. The oldest part of the Hervormde Kerk dates back to the 14th century; farms along the Wetering shape much of the village’s character. Alongside these insights into the past, there are routes, a viewing tower and places offering regional produce. This allows you to take different interests into account when planning, rather than focusing your stay on just one theme.
Churches, the Village Square and Remembrance
St. Victor is a three-aisled Roman Catholic cross basilica designed by A. Tepe in the Neo-Gothic style. It was built between 1886 and 1888. The Marian chapel of St. Victor’s Church is open daily from 10:00 to 16:00; on Sundays, it opens at 10:30 and also closes at 16:00. Check the opening times before your visit.
Beside the cemetery path of St. Victor’s Church is a meditation garden with poems. Its focus is not architecture, but a moment of calm: the garden invites visitors to contemplate, meditate and reflect.
The Hervormde Kerk in Benschop brings together several historical details: its oldest part dates back to the 14th century, and the choir contains the tomb of Captain Van Zijll. In front of the church is the village square, with an old water pump at its centre. The church, tomb and square each offer a different way to explore the village.
The “Drama van Benschop” war memorial commemorates eight war victims who died on 13 and 17 February 1945. The memorial was designed by Sybold van Ravenstein and created by sculptor Johannes W. Uiterwaal. Another historical trace leads to the Herman de Manhuis, which is associated with Herman de Man. His family moved to Benschop in 1906 and rented a house on the corner of the village square.
Farms, Paths and Polder Views
Most of Benschop consists of ribbon development, with farms along the Wetering. The Benschoproute passes many listed farms, offering a different perspective on the village’s agricultural character from that of its churches and memorials. Opposite the route’s starting point is the bus stop at the former town hall; there is ample parking nearby.
Recreatie Landschap Rosenboom offers another point of interest: it is located on the grounds of the oldest still-operating farm in the Netherlands. There is a 16-metre-high viewing tower with views across the polders. You can climb it by prior arrangement with the site. The polder views and the architectural history of the farms are two different ways to experience the rural surroundings; visiting the tower requires advance arrangements.
Garden and Regional Produce
At Beleeftuin Benschop, you can sit on a bench with a cup of tea or walk to the water and watch the birds. Opening times are irregular; check them before your visit.
At Gasterij De Toren in Recreatie Landschap Rosenboom, you can enjoy bread from an artisan baker, cheese and milk from a dairy farm, and artisan pastries from the region. The Plukroute is another way to discover regional produce: it starts at Boerderij Rosenboom near Benschop and passes stalls and sales kiosks offering local products.
Discover more destinations: Lopik, Polsbroek.
Go to the main travel overview: Lopik.
