Discover Bladel: Witch Tree, History and Art

Bladel can be discovered through nature experiences, cycling history, architectural heritage and local art. The Witch Tree, the White Church and the story surrounding Zwarte Kaat each offer a different perspective: a striking tree, a church building and a route with a historical theme. The combination of the Witch Tree, the White Church and Zwarte Kaat shapes nature, architectural history and local traditions in Bladel.

The Witch Tree and Junction 02

The Witch Tree is a natural monument standing almost 18 metres tall. Its crown spans more than 20 metres, and its trunk has a circumference of more than 3 metres. The Witch Tree of Zwarte Kaat stands on the Ten Vorsel estate in Bladel. At Junction 02, cyclists can leave their bicycles and take a 6-kilometre hike to the Witch Tree and back. The section leads there and back over six kilometres to the Witch Tree.

The Zwarte Kaat Route: Plan Your Activity Accordingly

For longer active days, the Zwarte Kaat Route offers a 36-kilometre cycle tour through the fascinating history of Zwarte Kaat. The different distances of the cycling and walking routes represent two distinct forms of activity in Bladel. The Zwarte Kaat Route represents cycling history, while the path to the Witch Tree is a shorter nature section in Bladel. The 36 kilometres of the cycle tour therefore provide a longer framework than the 6 kilometres of the hike.

Historical Details in the White Church

The White Church was built in 1820 as what is known as a Waterstaat church. Inside, it has an organ dating from 1825; a Huguenot cross hangs in a niche on the left-hand wall. Those interested in sacred architecture and individual historical details will find three clearly identifiable points of interest here for a cultural section in Bladel.

Houses with a History of Their Own

't Maggiblokje is a labourer's cottage dating from 1850. It was restored in 1994 and is now a municipal monument. Joseph Gindra had the manor house built in 1895; it is now known as Het Gindrahuis. The range therefore extends from a labourer's cottage to a manor house, revealing different historical ways of life.

Zwarte Kaat and Art in the Town

Stories about Het Gindrahuis are still told in Bladel today; it has also traditionally been referred to as a “haunted house”. From 1906 onwards, Victor de Buck rented part of Het Gindrahuis. The former headquarters of Zwarte Kaat was located at ‘t Helleneind in Bladel. De Steek is a modern work of art on Burgemeester van Houdtplein and was donated to the people of Bladel by the Broederschap van Prinsen.

Heemkunde Pladella Villa is dedicated to the past and present of the municipality of Bladel. Heemkunde Pladella Villa could be visited on Wednesdays and by appointment.

More Places for Orientation

For further travel planning, you can also include Hapert, Hoogeloon and Netersel in your itinerary.

For the higher-level travel overview: Bladel.