In IJzendijke, the history of the fortress can be explored from different angles: as a museum collection, as traces in the landscape and as the focus of a walking route. The Markt and H. Maria Hemelvaart Kerk add a statue and their own church history to the picture. To plan your visit, you can first decide which approach interests you most: the collection, a route through the landscape or the history of individual places.

Fortress history in the collection and landscape

The collection at Museum Het Bolwerk focuses on the Staats-Spaanse Linies. Remains of the fortifications of Vesting IJzendijke can still be seen in the landscape today. These offer two complementary ways to explore the subject: the collection has a clear thematic focus, while the visible remains draw attention to the fortifications in the landscape. For those interested in culture, the distinction is concrete: here, the subject is defined by the collection’s focus; there, by traces in the terrain. The Mauritspad offers another way to explore the area, along a described route.

The Mauritspad and its fortress features

The route description published in 2023 gives the Mauritspad’s length as 4.5 kilometres and says it follows parts of the IJzendijke fortress. It also describes a section of the rampart with the rebuilt grain mill, as well as a section of the fortress moat that has been re-excavated, with a ravelin. The rampart, mill, moat and ravelin give the route a tangible connection to the fortress. The stated length of 4.5 kilometres gives you a concrete sense of scale when planning your day. If you are considering this route, check its course again against up-to-date information before your visit.

The Markt and the church: two local histories

A statue of Prince Maurits has stood on the Markt in IJzendijke since 2004. The Markt was once the drill ground for his troops. These details connect different periods: the statue has stood there since 2004, while the drill ground reflects the Markt’s earlier use. At this one location, a dated monument and a former military function come together.

The predecessor church of H. Maria Hemelvaart Kerk in IJzendijke was destroyed in 1944. The new church, designed by architect J. de Lint, was brought into use in 1951. The dates mark different stages: 1944 refers to the predecessor building, while 1951 refers to the new church and its opening for use. The architect’s name is therefore associated with the new church, not its predecessor. This distinction keeps the events and the buildings to which they relate separate.

Activities and planning

Museum Het Bolwerk organises activities for all ages throughout the year. If you would like to plan your stay around a particular activity, check its date in advance. The route and the activities offer different ways to plan: the Mauritspad’s 4.5 kilometres is a measure of distance, while a specific museum activity takes place on a particular date. You can therefore decide whether to plan your day around a walk or a particular activity.

Discover more destinations

Hoofdplaat, Nieuwvliet, Aardenburg, Zuidzande, Breskens, Retranchement, Groede, Waterlandkerkje

For the overview of the wider area: Sluis.