Colonies of Benevolence - Wortel
Date of Inscription: 2021
Criteria: (ii) exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning, or landscape design.
Overview: The Wortel Colony of Benevolence is a unique social and architectural experiment located in the town of Wortel, in the north of Belgium. The colony was founded in the early 19th century as part of a larger project to create self-sufficient agricultural communities for the poor and vulnerable. The Wortel colony was designed to be a model community, with modern infrastructure and housing, and was one of several such colonies established across Belgium and the Netherlands.
Prominent Features: The Wortel Colony of Benevolence is characterized by its simple, functional architecture, which was designed to be both affordable and durable. The colony is made up of a number of buildings, including homes, schools, churches, and other public buildings. Some of the most prominent features of the colony include:
History: The Wortel Colony of Benevolence was founded in 1822 by the Dutch philanthropist Johannes van den Bosch. Van den Bosch believed that poverty and social unrest could be addressed through the creation of self-sufficient agricultural communities, and he established several such colonies across Belgium and the Netherlands. The Wortel colony was one of the largest and most successful of these colonies, and by the mid-19th century it was home to over 1,000 residents.
Family-Friendly Activities: Visitors to the Wortel Colony of Benevolence can enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities, including guided tours of the colony's buildings and gardens, hiking and biking trails, and educational exhibits on the history and culture of the colony. The nearby Kalmthout Heath Nature Reserve is also a popular destination for families, with miles of trails, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Fun Fact: The Wortel Colony of Benevolence was designed to be a self-sufficient community, with its own farms, shops, and other facilities. Residents were expected to contribute to the community through their work, and were provided with basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter in return.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to visit the Wortel Colony. However, some of the buildings in the colony are privately owned and are not open to the public.
How to Reach It:By Car: The Wortel Colony is located in the municipality of Hoogstraten, which is about an hour's drive from Brussels. There is parking available in the area, but visitors should be aware that some of the streets in the colony are narrow and may be difficult to navigate.
By Train: The nearest train station to the Wortel Colony is in the town of Hoogstraten, which is about 5 kilometers away. There are regular train services from Antwerp and Brussels to Hoogstraten, and visitors can take a taxi or bus from the station to the colony.
By Bus: There are several bus services that connect the Wortel Colony to other cities and towns in the area. The nearest bus stop is located just outside the colony.
Where to Stay: There are a few options for places to stay near Wortel Colony:
Criteria: (ii) exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning, or landscape design.
Overview: The Wortel Colony of Benevolence is a unique social and architectural experiment located in the town of Wortel, in the north of Belgium. The colony was founded in the early 19th century as part of a larger project to create self-sufficient agricultural communities for the poor and vulnerable. The Wortel colony was designed to be a model community, with modern infrastructure and housing, and was one of several such colonies established across Belgium and the Netherlands.
Prominent Features: The Wortel Colony of Benevolence is characterized by its simple, functional architecture, which was designed to be both affordable and durable. The colony is made up of a number of buildings, including homes, schools, churches, and other public buildings. Some of the most prominent features of the colony include:
- The "huizen": The huizen, or houses, are simple, rectangular buildings with a thatched roof and a central chimney. They were designed to be affordable and functional, with a layout that allowed for easy access to the garden and other facilities.
- The "smidse": The smidse, or smithy, was the heart of the colony's industrial activities. It was a large, open building with a high ceiling, and was used for blacksmithing and other metalworking activities.
- The "infirmerie": The infirmerie, or infirmary, was a small, simple building that served as a hospital for the colony's residents. It was staffed by a nurse and a physician, and provided basic medical care to the sick and injured.
- The "klooster": The klooster, or convent, was a large building that housed the nuns who worked in the colony's schools and other public institutions. It was designed to be both functional and beautiful, with a spacious interior and elegant exterior.
History: The Wortel Colony of Benevolence was founded in 1822 by the Dutch philanthropist Johannes van den Bosch. Van den Bosch believed that poverty and social unrest could be addressed through the creation of self-sufficient agricultural communities, and he established several such colonies across Belgium and the Netherlands. The Wortel colony was one of the largest and most successful of these colonies, and by the mid-19th century it was home to over 1,000 residents.
Family-Friendly Activities: Visitors to the Wortel Colony of Benevolence can enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities, including guided tours of the colony's buildings and gardens, hiking and biking trails, and educational exhibits on the history and culture of the colony. The nearby Kalmthout Heath Nature Reserve is also a popular destination for families, with miles of trails, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Fun Fact: The Wortel Colony of Benevolence was designed to be a self-sufficient community, with its own farms, shops, and other facilities. Residents were expected to contribute to the community through their work, and were provided with basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter in return.
Entry Fees: There is no entry fee to visit the Wortel Colony. However, some of the buildings in the colony are privately owned and are not open to the public.
How to Reach It:By Car: The Wortel Colony is located in the municipality of Hoogstraten, which is about an hour's drive from Brussels. There is parking available in the area, but visitors should be aware that some of the streets in the colony are narrow and may be difficult to navigate.
By Train: The nearest train station to the Wortel Colony is in the town of Hoogstraten, which is about 5 kilometers away. There are regular train services from Antwerp and Brussels to Hoogstraten, and visitors can take a taxi or bus from the station to the colony.
By Bus: There are several bus services that connect the Wortel Colony to other cities and towns in the area. The nearest bus stop is located just outside the colony.
Where to Stay: There are a few options for places to stay near Wortel Colony:
- B&B Millefeuille: This cozy bed and breakfast is located just a short drive from Wortel Colony and offers comfortable rooms and a delicious breakfast.
- Priorij Corsendonk: This historic priory turned hotel is located in Oud-Turnhout, about a 15-minute drive from Wortel Colony. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a beautiful setting.
- B&B De Hessie: This charming bed and breakfast is located in Rijkevorsel, about a 10-minute drive from Wortel Colony. The B&B offers comfortable rooms and a beautiful garden to relax in.
- Van der Valk Hotel Dennenhof: This hotel is located in Brasschaat, about a 20-minute drive from Wortel Colony. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a beautiful setting.