Steensel: Tower, Mill and Archaeological Sites

Steensel is described as one of the typical Kempen villages of the Acht Zaligheden and is also known as “Pieregat.” Several distinct themes come together for a stay: medieval building history at the Toren van St. Lucia, the technical history of the Stevertse watermolen, archaeological sites, and cycling and walking routes. There are also the dates of the fair and the Kempensessie. If you are looking for a hotel in Steensel, this information can help you decide when to travel and what you would like to focus on.

Cultural history at the Toren van St. Lucia

The Toren van St. Lucia is a medieval tower built in the late 14th century. As the last surviving remnant of Steensel’s old church, it provides a tangible point of reference for the village’s history. From there, you can enjoy views across the Kempen and of Eindhoven’s skyline. It is possible to climb the tower by prior arrangement. The Luciaklok is also part of the region’s history: dating from 1495, it is one of the oldest church bells in the Kempen.

The Stevertse watermolen and its history

The Stevertse watermolen is in the hamlet of Stevert, which belongs to Steensel in the municipality of Eersel. The mill can be viewed as a technical structure from the bridge. It once milled grain using the power of the Run; the waterwheel and milling mechanism have been preserved. The site therefore offers insight into both its former function and some of its technical features. The Stevertse watermolen is mentioned in the Bossche Protocollen for 1349–1350. This gives the mill a historical connection that goes beyond its surviving structural parts.

Archaeological sites from different periods

The protected archaeological sites of De Heiblom and Bussereind/Gendersteijn also reflect the history of the area. De Heiblom includes Bronze Age burial mounds and an Iron Age urnfield. At Bussereind/Gendersteijn, a burial mound from the Early Bronze Age is part of the site. The two locations therefore differ both in the finds mentioned and in their dating: De Heiblom brings together evidence from two periods, while Bussereind/Gendersteijn is associated with an Early Bronze Age burial mound. Those interested in archaeological traces will find different points of interest here.

Cycling and walking routes around Steensel

For cyclists, the 33-kilometre Monumentenroute includes the Toren van St. Lucia. The tower is also on the “Gloeiige” cycling route between junctions 06 and 61. On foot, the 21-kilometre Pelgrimspad Middelbeers–Steensel walking route leads to Steensel and ends there. The details therefore differ not only in length: they also cover different ways of getting around and different route destinations.

Local history and event dates

One historical episode concerns the Bende van Steensel. It consisted of five men who terrorised the villages around Steensel with violent nighttime break-ins in the early 19th century. This offers a different perspective on local history from the buildings and archaeological sites: the focus is on a group and its activities in the area at that time.

The fair in Steensel runs from the Saturday before the second Sunday in August until the following Tuesday. In 2026, the Dikke Banden Race for children from Steensel was held on the Monday of the fair, before the official cycle race. The 47th Kempensessie is announced as a festival in Steensel for Easter Sunday, 28 March 2027. These dates provide specific reference points if you would like to plan your stay around the fair or a particular festival date.

Discover more destinations: Vessem, Eersel.

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