Stevensweert

Brief History

As early as the 13th century there was mention of a parish dedicated to Saint Stephanus (Steven).  A 'waard' is low-lying country or flood plains, often surrounded by water.

Throughout the Eighty Years' War (1568-1648) this community was strongly influenced by Spanish domination. The old medieval buildings were demolished in 1633 (except for the catholic church and Stevensweert Castle) and surrounded by a moat and earth walls. From the centre of the fortress a clear and characteristic street pattern was designed, 'like spokes in a wheel', in order to better defend the fortress.

Restoration of the historic centre

Since 1993 the restored historic centre of Stevensweert is a protected village with a unique atmosphere, enhanced by centuries-old monuments, clinker paving and “maaskeitjes”, (typical pebbles found in the Meuse), the village pump on the marketplace, the tower ruins of Stevensweert Castle, old lanterns as well as an original fortress cannon 'Dikke Werta' near the Maaspoort.

The magnificent square, the Jan van Steffeswertplein, boasts the stately government building from 1732, the Catholic St. Stephanus Church from 1781, the Protestant church from 1819 and the former town hall from 1858, which was designed by the famous architect Pierre Cuypers. In the latter building you can enter the Stevensweert VVV Tourist Office to get hiking and cycling routes and other tourist information. You may also discover the history through the collection of the Regional Museum.

To learn more about current developments, please visit the various initiatives and the websites of Amici Insulae and the Village Council Stevensweert.