Roman times, the Middle Ages and the Eighty Years’ War are distinct historical reference points in Aardenburg. Sint-Baafskerk, the Kaaipoort, the remains of a Roman fortress gate and the ramparts reveal different historical layers. There are also archaeological insights at the Cultuurforum, as well as walking and cycling routes. If you choose a destination based on specific cultural and natural themes, Aardenburg offers more than just a single view of a historic building.

Buildings and their different historical layers

Sint-Baafskerk is the oldest building in Aardenburg. It is also the only surviving example of this building style in the Netherlands. The church therefore connects the town’s history with a style of architecture preserved in this form only here in the country.

The Kaaipoort is Aardenburg’s only surviving city gate. Its original form dates from 1299, while its current appearance dates from 1650. These dates refer to different aspects of the same gate: its original form and its later appearance. This example shows how a building’s history can be read through more than one date.

Another architectural trace leads to the former Burgerweeshuis, also known as De Meiboom. Its regents’ chamber is built in the Neo-Renaissance style, which is considered rare in the Netherlands. Remains of the western gatehouse of a Roman fortress, made visible in the streetscape, are flanked by two massive round towers. The towers are about six metres high. The fountain with four frogs on Kaaiplein is another distinct public landmark.

The ramparts as a cultural and natural theme

The ramparts of Aardenburg are a cultural and historical gem dating from the Eighty Years’ War, while also bearing features from Roman times and the Middle Ages. Grassy areas and shrubs provide habitat for the European tree frog, the great crested newt, the pool frog, the edible frog and the common frog. Historical periods and a specific habitat thus coexist here: the ramparts can be viewed both in their cultural and historical context and in terms of their amphibian species.

Walking and cycling routes

The Omloper van Aardenburg is a 6.9-kilometre VVV walking route around Aardenburg. It follows in the footsteps of the Romans and medieval soldiers, linking a specific route with the town’s historical themes. There are several parking options along Haven and Kaai; the walking route starts from there via the Oliepotsepad.

There are also different route details for cycling: a cycle path runs along part of the ramparts. The Sluis MTB route is 41.5 kilometres long, 48 per cent of which is off-road. It passes Sluis, Aardenburg and Middelburg in Belgium. Comparing the stated distances helps give an idea of each route’s scale: the Omloper loops around Aardenburg, while the MTB route covers a much greater distance. Check the route details before setting off, as published information may change.

Archaeological stories at the Cultuurforum

At the ArcheoHotspot in the Cultuurforum Aardenburg, visitors can ask experts questions and learn more about the historical and archaeological stories behind objects that have been found. This complements the view of buildings and landscapes with the perspective of individual finds. If you are interested in the history behind archaeological objects, you can ask experts questions there and learn more about their stories.

Discover more destinations: Schoondijke, Zuidzande, Breskens, Sluis, Ijzendijke, Oostburg, Groede, Cadzand.

Back to the main travel overview: Sluis.