Banholt: History, Church and ‘de den halen’

Banholt brings together a medieval history as a settlement with evidence of its mill, church and architectural history. If history is especially important to you when choosing a place to stay, Banholt offers several distinct themes: its development into a roadside village, the windmill, the Sint-Gerlachuskerk and the tradition of ‘de den halen’. The village originated in the Middle Ages on the Margraten plateau, in an area cultivated from the Voerstreek. From the 18th century onwards, it developed into a roadside village.

Windmill history and ‘de den halen’

The Banholt windmill burned down in 1877. Honje(t) had it rebuilt entirely in stone, giving it the form for which it later became known. The fire and reconstruction mark a clear turning point in the mill’s history; its new form resulted from the complete rebuilding in stone.

In the old Banholt tradition of ‘de den halen’, two groups have different roles. On the Saturday before Pentecost, the village’s Jonkheid—that is, unmarried men—bring a pine tree from Epen to Banholt. The married men erect the tree beside the church, completing the tradition. The custom thus links the tree’s journey with its erection at its destination.

Church and architectural history

The neoclassical Sint-Gerlachuskerk was built from 1874 to 1876 to plans by G. Jonkergouw. The church in Berneau, Belgium, served as its architectural model. Stained-glass windows by Gebr. Den Rooijen add a later chapter to the building’s history: they date from 1911–1912. For those interested in history, the construction period, architectural model and date of the windows can thus be clearly distinguished.

The architectural history of Dalestraat also shows different styles and periods. Dalestraat 24 is a closed farmstead made of brick and marl on a rubble-stone base; it dates from the early 18th and early 19th centuries. Dalestraat 26 was originally a hook-shaped farmhouse and is now a residence. Its dates span the second half of the 18th and the second half of the 19th centuries. The comparison therefore foregrounds the materials and farmstead form at No. 24, while at No. 26 it also highlights the change to its present residential use.

Banholt also has a Lourdes grotto. It adds to the cultural themes described above.

Walking routes and an outdoor activity

The walking route ‘Het Heuvelland door de ogen van een kunstenaar’ passes through Banholt and Mheer. If you are looking for a route that actually goes through Banholt, this is a specific option to consider when planning. There is an important limitation for the ‘Sporen van vuursteen rondom Mheer’ route: neither of its two loops is suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

The ‘Stap (of trap) & Hap Banholt’ package from De Bresserie in Banholt combines a walk or cycle ride outdoors with freshly baked plaatgebak from Talentino. It includes coffee, tea or cappuccino, regional dishes and a packed lunch of your choice. The package is valid until 31 March 2027; check availability before your trip. This makes it easy to distinguish, when planning, between Banholt’s historical themes and an offering that combines outdoor activity with food and drink.

Discover more destinations: Scheulder, Sint Geertruid, Cadier En Keer

Go to the overview of the wider area: Margraten.