Oudeschoot

Oudeschoot can be explored through several precisely named historical themes: the history of the Veenwijk country house and the Julia Jan Wouters Stichting, the Skoattertsjerke, and the Schoterschans. Other features include preserved elements of a historic estate, a church stop, and a designated cycling route. The main building of the Julia Jan Wouters Stichting was built in 1901 in the Neo-Renaissance style; it stands on the cellar and parts of the foundations of the former Veenwijk country house.

Building history and purpose

The main building of the Julia Jan Wouters Stichting was built in 1901 in the Neo-Renaissance style. It was constructed on the cellar and parts of the foundations of the former Veenwijk country house. The year of construction therefore marks a later building phase than the foundations associated with the former country house. The interior of the Julia Jan Wouters Stichting features Art Nouveau, so two distinct styles sit side by side in an architectural study.

The foundation also has a clearly defined purpose set out in a will. Julia Hartsinck-Wouters stipulated that the capital should be used mainly to provide lifelong accommodation and full care in the Veenwijk country house for unmarried and needy women from the respectable and educated classes. The women were to be at least 45 years old and born in the province of Friesland. This purpose adds the social mission for which the capital was to be used to the architectural overview.

Grounds and geographical setting

The Woutersbergje and a straight waterway leading to a pond have been preserved on the historic grounds of the Julia Jan Wouters Stichting. These two features provide different points of reference: the Woutersbergje lies on the boundary between Oudeschoot and Oranjewoud, while the waterway is defined by its straight course and its destination at the pond. This makes it possible to understand the landscape both by its geographical setting and by its design.

Skoattertsjerke and Bonifatius Kloosterpad

Several special services are held each year at the Skoattertsjerke. The church stands on the site of the former monastery. In addition, Stage 12 of the Bonifatius Kloosterpad passes the Skoattertsjerke in Oudeschoot. When planning your trip, you can therefore take religious history and a specific route connection into account. Route details may change; check the current course of the stage before setting out.

Schoterschans and Friese Waterlinie II

The 58-kilometre Friese Waterlinie II cycling route offers a different perspective. At junction 25 in Oudeschoot, it leads to the former Schoterschans and includes a stop there. For your planning, the 58 kilometres give you the overall route distance, while junction 25 identifies the planned stop.

The former Schoterschans, also known as Tjongerschans, was built in 1580 on the foundations of the abandoned monastery in Oudeschoot. The route description thus connects a specific cycling stop with a history dating back to 1580. Check the current route before cycling, as route details may change.

Skoattermerke and annual events

The Skoattermerke takes place every year on Whit Monday and has been held since the 15th century. It is particularly well known for its horse market, an important part of the event. If you want to plan your trip around the market, check the date for the relevant year.

Another historical date

The crypt at Schoterlandseweg 45 in Oudeschoot is also precisely dated: it was built between 1807 and 1810. It dates from just over nine decades before the main building of the Julia Jan Wouters Stichting, built in 1901. This comparison places two historical building phases in context chronologically.

Discover more destinations: Heerenveen, Oranjewoud.

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