Discover Mantgum: Terp, Churches and Paths through the Pastures
Accommodation in Mantgum
If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Mantgum, discover a village with an unusually clear connection between history, architecture and open landscapes. Mantgum developed on a terp on the western bank of the Middelzee and is designated as a protected villagescape. Part of the original terp was later removed. This development is just as much a part of the character of the place as the paths that lead from here through the pastures.
File:Mantgum. Dorp in de Gemeente Littenseradeel in Friesland,.jpg
Photo: Jan dijkstra via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Architecture with a Character of Its Own
Two buildings with very different dates of origin and architectural styles stand out in the villagescape. The house at Dokter Fokkewei 1 was built in 1910 to a design by the architect D. Meintema. Its brick architecture is influenced by the Amsterdam School. The building at Seerp van Galemawei 4, by contrast, was built around 1870 as a rentier house in the eclectic style, which primarily features neoclassical elements. Together, both houses provide an illustrative insight into different architectural concepts that have found their place in Mantgum. The house and the rentier house belong to different building phases: one was built in 1910, the other around 1870. Their styles also differ: the house features brick architecture influenced by the Amsterdam School, while the rentier house has eclectic, predominantly neoclassical elements. In Mantgum, both buildings form part of the village’s architectural history.
Mariakerk: Medieval Origins and Special Details
The Mariakerk dates from the early fifteenth century. Its appearance was altered over time: the building was raised and plastered and received pointed-arch windows. The old saddleback roof tower was replaced by a new tower with a tall spire. There are also specific details to discover inside. The furnishings date from around 1780 and include carvings by the master Hermannus Berkebijl. They are complemented by a round pulpit with a matching round sounding board and an organ built in 1879 by L. van Dam & Zn. For days focused on culture, Mantgum thus offers several periods and craft-related themes in one place.
Walking through Open Pastures
The Mantgum–Sneek stage of the Elfstedenpad begins in Mantgum and follows the Zwette from there through open pastures.
Cycle Routes between Churches and Art
A holiday apartment in Mantgum also offers various thematic starting points for days of cycling. The cycling route Wind in de rug uses Mantgum railway station for the return journey by bicycle on an Arriva train. The Fietsroute langs Friese kerken passes 16 different churches. On the IJsbaankeunstrûte, a work of art by Hendrik Elings can be seen at Mantgum’s ice rink. The cycling route De Groene Greidhoek runs along Seerp van Galema, with its imposing houses, towards Jorwert. This allows you to choose between a church route, an art-focused outing and a ride featuring architectural impressions.
Other Places in the Area
For further orientation, you can also explore Easterlittens, Weidum, Easterein, Bozum, Kûbaard, Wommels and Reahus.
For the higher-level travel overview: Littenseradiel.
