Drenthe is truly the province of dolmens. A province where history plays a significant role. Besides dolmens, you'll also find several unique monuments. Definitely worth a visit. Below, we describe the three most important objects related to the Colonies of Benevolence.
The Colonies of Benevolence
The Colonies of Benevolence is a heritage site that plays a role in certain monuments in Drenthe. Heritage protection, recognition of historical significance, and remembrance of times past.
Which monuments are the most important?
Colonial Church Willemsoord
A beautiful white church with a fantastic garden behind it. There's a charming outbuilding where a wood-burning stove burns during the winter months. The sides of this characteristic building are surrounded by trees. The church is frequently used for weddings and concerts. It seats 180 people. This church is part of the Colonies of Benevolence.
Veenhuizen Prison Complex
This unfree colony later became a prison village. The monuments you'll encounter here are large asylums and prisons. Poverty, punishment, and re-education are intertwined here. It housed over 1000 prisoners. Visiting this prison complex is very interesting. There are regular activities, and one of the most enjoyable is a tour in the prisoner bus.
Frederiksoord
In Frederiksoord, you'll find the Colony House and the school. While they are replicas, they are realistically recreated. This is where poor families lived and their children went to school. You can cycle or walk the monument route and enjoy the various historic buildings. The caretaker's houses and old shops are also worth a visit.
History of poverty
The monuments of the Colonies of Prosperity tell the story of poverty reduction in the past. The avenues and buildings have a distinctive appearance. Because the monuments are now protected and their historical value has been recognized, everything has been given a new purpose by making it all accessible to the public.
Activities
Organized activities are both fun and educational. Some great experiences to enjoy around the monuments include:
- Walking and cycling. Frederiksoord, Wilhelminaoord, and Veenhuizen are surrounded by beautiful nature. Wonderful for a walk or bike ride. You'll see colonial houses and historic farms along the way.
- Museum visit. The Experimental Colony in Frederiksoord
- The National Prison Museum and its many interactive exhibitions are fun to visit. Also suitable for children.
- You can make use of audio tours and guided tours.
In short, spending a day out exploring the monuments of the Colonies of Benevolence means discovering, but also exercising and relaxing.
