Nieuwkapelle: Polder Landscape and Cultural Heritage

Nieuwkapelle is part of the Polderstreek. The larger western part lies in the Oudland, while the smaller eastern part lies in the Middelland. This geographical division provides an initial framework for understanding the landscape. For travellers choosing a destination based on walking opportunities and local history, two themes stand out: the signposted Oude Zeedijk Route and the cultural heritage in Nieuwkapelle and its surroundings. You can get to know the area both through a described walk and through architectural and memorial sites with different historical associations.

Walks on the Oude Zeedijk Route

The Oude Zeedijk Route is a signposted 7.8 km walking trail in the shape of a figure eight. Each of its two loops is approximately 4 km long; the Put van Nieuwkapelle forms the central junction. One loop goes around the village, while the other follows the IJzerdijk to the Knokkebrug. This makes it possible to distinguish between the approximate length of one loop and the total length of the figure eight when planning: about 4 km per loop compared with 7.8 km in total. The starting point is on Nieuwkapelle village square, next to the village information point. The village square marks the start, while the Put van Nieuwkapelle serves as the central junction.

Cycling through polder villages

The Boterland cycling route also passes through Nieuwkapelle. It runs from Diksmuide through polder villages such as Sint-Jacobskapelle, Nieuwkapelle, Oudekapelle, Lampernisse, Zoutenaaie and Pervijze. Alongside the signposted walking trail, there is therefore a cycling route that places Nieuwkapelle in the context of several named villages.

Polder landscape and village scene

Along the Oude Zeedijk in Nieuwkapelle, small agricultural workers’ houses and chapels shape the streetscape. In the open polder area west of the IJzer in Nieuwkapelle, surviving signposts shape the landscape. They were probably erected during the Second World War. Thus, both the street lined with houses and chapels and the signposts in the open polder area are part of Nieuwkapelle’s landscape.

Historic sites and their historical contexts

The Parochiekerk Sint-Petrus was rebuilt from 1921 to 1925 to designs by Antoine Dugardyn, an architect from Bruges. Villa Marietta offers a different historical connection: it was the country house of Madame Tack, who became known during the First World War as “Maman des soldats”. During the Battle of Diksmuide in October and November 1914, the villa served as the headquarters of the French 89e Division Infanterie Territoriale. Villa Marietta thus brings together Madame Tack’s story and its military use during a specifically dated battle.

At the historic Hoeve Rood Huis, the farmhouse, gate and barn are protected as monuments. Near Nieuwkapelle, by the IJzerdijk close to the IJzer, surviving concrete remains of the Redoute Elisabeth from the First World War can be found. These remains differ in form too: three parts of the Hoeve are protected, while concrete remains of the redoubt have survived.

The dates provide another point of comparison: Villa Marietta’s military use took place in October and November 1914, while the rebuilding of Sint-Petrus took place from 1921 to 1925. The date of the signposts is less certain: they were probably erected during the Second World War.

Discover more destinations: Kaaskerke.

Return to the main travel overview: Diksmuide.