Katwijk: Waterways, Windmill and Local History

Katwijk aan den Rijn: Waterways and Local History

Katwijk aan den Rijn was first mentioned in the 13th century. The Kanaal naar de zee runs along the north side of the village centre and leads to the Haarlemmertrekvaart and the Haarlemmermeer. The Vliet is part of the topography of Katwijk aan den Rijn. The Overrijn is an essential part of the old village centre. The historic waterways to and from Katwijk aan den Rijn were important for transporting goods to the auction, including vegetables, via Rijnsburg and Valkenburg, and were primarily oriented towards Leiden. On a walk through Katwijk aan den Rijn, the Kanaal naar de zee, which runs along the north side of the village centre, the Vliet and the Overrijn stand out as distinct waterways.

Historic Places to Discover

De Roskam was first mentioned in 1560. Historically, De Roskam served travellers as an inn where horses could be stabled and cared for; the site also served, among other purposes, as a courthouse and town hall.

The Dorpskerk in Katwijk aan den Rijn houses a Rococo organ built in 1765 by the Leiden organ builder Pieter Assendelft. The same church contains a tomb monument commissioned by Maria van Reygersbergh for Willem II baron van Liere and completed in 1663. The present H. Joannes de Doper (Geboorte) Church in Katwijk aan den Rijn dates from 1911.

Windmill and Heerenschoolbos

Molen De Geregtigheid is one of the historic places in Katwijk aan den Rijn. The present Molen was built in 1740 by the miller Hendrik van der Muele. It is a Rijksmonument and is still capable of milling. At the Molen, you can learn about how a grain mill works and about the history of Katwijk aan den Rijn. The windmill turns regularly.

De Wilbert includes a park that has been called Heerenschoolbos since 1831. The centuries-old, hidden green area contains old garden and park ornaments as well as ponds with groups of figures. The park also includes the “Begraafplaats van Katholieke Geestelijken”. At the end of the central avenue, on the bank of the large pond, stands a statue of a river god. It represents Rhenus Pater; “Neptunus” is a commonly used name for the statue.

Historic Walks through Katwijk aan den Rijn

The Historisch Genootschap Het Rijndorp organises historic walks in Katwijk aan den Rijn several times a year on various topics. A historic walk during the Najaarsfeesten lasted around two hours, following a route past historic sites, and started at the Dorpskerk.

Culture enthusiasts will find specific places in Katwijk aan den Rijn such as De Roskam, the Dorpskerk, the H. Joannes de Doper (Geboorte) Church, Molen De Geregtigheid and Heerenschoolbos.

Other places around Katwijk: Katwijk Aan Zee, Valkenburg and Rijnsburg.

Katwijk