Terhole: Local History and Culture

Terhole offers travelers interested in local history and culture a range of specific points of interest. These include the Gerardus Majellakerk, the former salt production, a work of art in the village and recurring events. The village’s development from hamlet to village connects historical events with changes in the landscape and transport.

Local History: Salt Production and Dike Construction

Terhole was formerly known as Brandershole. The name refers to the salt works where peat was burned to produce salt. Terhole was already known as a hamlet in the 13th century. During the Eighty Years’ War, the settlement suffered severe flooding. After the dikes were restored in 1615, Terhole developed into a village. The village’s growth is largely attributable to its location near the outer courtyard of Van Baudeloo Abbey.

Church, Buildings and Art

The Gerardus Majellakerk at Notendijk 5 was intended as an emergency church and designed by Jacques van Groenendael. It was consecrated in 1921 and was never replaced by a permanent church building. The simple brick hall church has a façade tower above the entrance. The term “hall church” refers to its simple interior layout; the tower sits above the entrance in the façade. Its consecration and the fact that it was never replaced by a permanent building give the original emergency-church plan a special place in architectural history.

The former rectory at Notendijk 7 is worth a drive-by visit. An old farmhouse stands at Husterweg 179, and a manor house at Hulsterweg 146. Art is also part of the village’s character: in 2010, Marlies de Wachter created the artwork “Hart van Terhole,” which is located in Terhole.

Festivals and Community Life

Recurring events and community activities are part of local cultural life. The Vliet Festival takes place annually in Terhole. The active Fanfare Excelsior music association regularly makes itself heard. Terhole takes part in carnival with floats and walking groups. “Terhole Tafelt” regularly organizes a communal meal for everyone. These different occasions sit side by side: an annual festival, music, the carnival tradition and communal dining.

If you plan your trip around the Vliet Festival or Terhole Tafelt, check the specific dates in advance.

Transport and Cycling

The Perkpolder–Kruiningen ferry service was discontinued in 2003. A bypass around Terhole opened in 2004, making the former main road quieter. The area behind Terhole around Molenhoek, Notendijk, Mispad and Roversberg near Lamswaarde is particularly appealing to cycling tourists. This cycling information refers specifically to the named area behind Terhole. When planning your trip, you can therefore distinguish between the village’s cultural attractions and the cycling area.

Discover more destinations: Lamswaarde, Walsoorden, Graauw, Kloosterzande, Hulst, Vogelwaarde, Heikant, Hengstdijk

Return to the main travel overview: Hulst.