Heenvliet: History Between the Market and Ravesteyn

When looking for a hotel for a trip to Heenvliet, it helps to consider the place in terms of your trip’s focus: its historic townscape, architectural history, or routes on foot and on horseback. Heenvliet is officially designated as a protected town or village. The market, the Ruins of Ravesteyn and the named routes each offer a different perspective.

The Market and the Protected Townscape

Heenvliet’s market came into being as an open square after the former harbour had silted up and been partly filled in before 1600. Its history therefore differs from that of a square laid out as such from the outset: the market arose from a change to the former harbour landscape. Its official designation as a protected town or village draws attention to the townscape as a whole. Together, the designation and the market’s history offer two ways of exploring Heenvliet: the character of the town and the development of a central public space.

Ravesteyn and the Ambachtsherenhuis

Kasteel Ravesteyn was built around the middle of the 13th century by Hugo van Voorne, the first lord of Heenvliet. In 1572, the Sea Beggars destroyed the castle during the Eighty Years’ War; its ruins remain to this day. The construction and destruction belong to different periods of its history, while the ruins survive as a remnant of that history.

The Ruins of Ravesteyn are at the heart of a five-hectare estate behind the Ambachtsherenhuis. The house was originally the residence of the lords of Heenvliet. Maria de’ Medici visited the building in 1638. The house’s original function and a specifically dated visit thus provide two distinct historical points of reference. The Bernisse Toen en Nu project set up 3D experience points on the grounds of the Ruins of Ravesteyn and near Toldam 2 in Heenvliet. These project installations add a distinct 3D interpretation of the architectural history at two named locations.

Walking Route, Bridleway and Bernisse

The Heenvlietpad is a 13.5-kilometre walking route through the town centre. It crosses the distinctive market, with its centuries-old façades. Its route thus links the town’s history to a specific walking trail. The Ruiterpad Bernisse is different: this bridleway passes by Heenvliet. When planning, distinguish between the mode of travel and the route’s relation to the town: the walking route runs through the town centre, while the bridleway passes by the town.

The Bernisse nature and recreation area begins at Heenvliet. This connection differs from that of the routes: here, Heenvliet marks the beginning of the area. If you are more interested in a nature and recreation area than in the historic town centre when choosing your destination, this offers another point of reference. The information about the walking route, bridleway and Bernisse describes different connections to the town, not a single shared route.

Paardenmarkt over the Whitsun Weekend

The Paardenmarkt in Heenvliet takes place every year over the Whitsun weekend. If you want to plan your trip around this event, check the specific event date for your travel year in advance. The event’s annual timing helps with planning, but the date of the particular event is what matters.

Discover more destinations: Zuidland, Abbenbroek, Oudenhoorn, Simonshaven

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