Museums
Historical dates
Addresses
Travel documents
Sports and leisure activities
Frequently asked questions
Administration
War history
Places of interest
Seldensate
The country estate Seldensate is situated in Middelrode. This 10-hectare estate is owned by the municipality of Sint-Michielsgestel. In the Middle Ages the estate used to be a luxury country house for wealthy people. In about 1440 a stately manor house was built on the estate, which had many owners throughout the centuries. It included a gatekeeper’s home, a storage place, a brewery and a stone pigeon tower. In 1890 the manor house was demolished, rebuilt and torn down again in 1959. Nowadays only the remnants of the house remain: the restored access gate with the pigeon tower, the foundations of the house and the moat. These remnants are situated in a park wood that is accessible for walkers. There is a walking / cycle route, so that you can explore this historical place.
Engelenstede
Nature and recreation are interwoven in this recreation area. Engelenstede comprises about 80 hectares and is located approximately ten kilometres east of ‘s-Hertogenbosch, between Rosmalen, Berlicum and Vinkel. Visitors can play sports and games there, however it is especially an area of peace and quiet. In order to discover Engelenstede you can go for a walking and cycle tour. You can also ride horses in Engelenstede. The routes have been set out in such a way that they hardly cross each other. You can even gallop the horse now and then. Last but not least, there is a large playing field in the area, with ample opportunities for sports, games or a picnic.
Haanwijk
This country estate comprises about 113 hectares. It is situated about 2.5 kilometres northwest of the built-up area of Sint-Michielsgestel, off Halder. In Roman times there probably already were occupants in the vicinity of Haanwijk. On the estate of Haanwijk there is a country house with annexes, partly from the seventeenth and partly from the eighteenth century. In the garden there are also remnants of the old pond construction and a arch row of beeches. At the country estate you can see the remnants of German trenches from the war, an old baking house and a small ferry house from days gone by. Country estate Haanwijk is accessible to the public.
De Wamberg
Country estate De Wamberg comprises 180 hectares and is situated along the road Berlicum-Rosmalen. It consists of coniferous and broad-leaved woods, arable land, grassland and meadowland. In the woodland area you can find many old and exotic tree groups and lanes and you have beautiful views. There are a number of old premises on De Wamberg: eight farmsteads and several houses, including the manor-castle De Wamberg. The castle has already been restored quite a few times. North of the castle is the original farmstead, with a coach house and hunting lodge. A gate building closes off the entrance to the castle. At the main entrance of the castle you can still see the house of the gardener. There is also a walking / cycle route on the estate De Wamberg.
Zegenwerp
The country estate Zegenwerp is situated immediately south of Sint-Michielsgestel, between the Gestelseweg and the river De Dommel. Zegenwerp used to be an ideal place for catching fish. ‘Zegen’ means fishnet and the word ‘werp’ is a place where the fishnets were cast. The country house Zegenwerp is situated near the Dommel. Throughout the centuries it has had many different owners. The architecture of the country house also underwent many changes after periods of decay and fires. Many footpaths were created on the country estate, with different types of trees. There are no walking routes on the estate, however it is accessible to the public.
De Meerse Plas
De Meerse Plas is situated south of the A2 motorway and the municipal border with ‘s-Hertogenbosch. For the inhabitants of the municipality of Sint-Michielsgestel this small swimming lake is very pleasant in summer. The lake is clearly different from other lakes in the region, because of its limited size and its sheltered character. De Meerse Plas has a small beach and a sunbathing area. In the coming years the recreational facilities will be increased to a limited degree.
Museums
Museum of Antiquities Sint-Michielsgestel
There was already a settlement in Halder in Roman times, and probably also before. In the 1960s and 1970s numerous old objects were found, such as wells, coins, glass, bronze objects, ornaments and military objects. These treasures are exhibited in two former chapels of the boy’s department of the Institute for the Deaf. Other traces of the Romans in this region can also be seen in this museum.
Museum of Antiquities Sint-Michielsgestel, Viataal (formerly: Institute for the Deaf), Theerestraat 42 Sint-Michielsgestel, tel. +31 (0)73 551 79 03.
Opening hours: Tuesday between 10.00-16.00 hours, and the first Sunday of the month between 13.00 and 16.00 hours. Outside opening hours: only groups by appointment.
The Gestel Crafts Museum
This museum includes a blacksmith’s shop, a tinsmith’s shop, a baking house and a brewery. These four crafts are still performed in the museum. You can see how a smith used to work and how tins and dishes were made in the tinsmith’s shop. Delicious fresh bread is still baked in the baking house in an authentic way and the brewer produces his beer as in bygone days. And you can taste everything, of course.
The Gestel Crafts Museum, Venkant 17-19 Sint-Michielsgestel, tel. +31 (0)73 551 21 37. Visit by appointment.
Cheese and Dairy Farm De Beekveldse Hoeve De Run
Here you can learn how fresh milk is processed into various dairy products. The entire production process will be explained to you during a guide tour of about 1½ hours. The tour will start in the milking shed, where the milk flows into a large tank via an underground pipe. From this shed the cow milk is transported to several other rooms, where it is used to make other products such as (butter)milk, yoghurt, cheese and custard. You will also get a guided tour through the cheese and dairy room. For example, you can see a centrifuge for making low-fat milk. The information is enlivened by photos and slides. After the tour you can enjoy a cup of fresh milk or a nice piece of cheese.
Cheese and Dairy Farm De Beekveldse Hoeve De Run, Beekveld 30 Berlicum, tel. +31 (0)73 503 15 71.
Opening hours: from Monday through Friday between 13.30-18.00 hours and on Saturday between 09.00-16.00 hours. Excursion by appointment.
Museum Life in Brabant
The subject of this museum, as already implied by the name, is Life in Brabant. Here you will get a good impression of no less than 25 different trades. The museum can be visited by appointment by groups of at most 12 persons, who are offered a Brabant cup of coffee at the open fireplace. The owner, Jo van der Heijden, guides his visitors through the museum in about 1½ hours. You can see, for example, a bread bakery, the trade of the thatcher and electrician and many different types of butcher’s attributes. The museum also has an old classroom, a collection of self-made toys, miniatures and even a confectionery. The owner and his wife never tire of talking about their museum. There is too much in the museum to mention: you should visit it and see for yourself.
Museum Life in Brabant, Spurkstraat 70 Den Dungen, tel. +31 (0)73 594 28 72.
Opening hours: by appointment between 1 April and 1 November.
Historical dates
Sint-Michielsgestel
Gestel means high, dry, sandy land. The parish church of Sint-Michielsgestel was dedicated to the Holy Michael. Sint-Michielsgestel therefore means: the land of Saint Michael. In the past Gestel mainly relied on arable farming and stockbreeding. Because of its favourable location in relation to the capital of Brabant, Gestel was also very popular with the aristocracy. They built the most beautiful castles and manor houses. For example, in the northern part of Gestel, in the hamlet of Halder, you can visit the castle Nieuw Herlaer.
As is the case with Berlicum, Sint-Michielsgestel has also become a distinct commuting village. The Institute for the Deaf has been one of the most important employers here for many years.
Den Dungen
The name Den Dungen refers to the Pleistocene dunes on which this village developed. A Pleistocene dune is a natural elevation in a stream valley area. These Pleistocene dunes were very suitable for building houses upon. In order to protect themselves against the water, the population constructed a dike system. At places where the dike broke through a pool developed, around which the dike was repaired again. Hence a monumental ring-dike with pools was created around the village. From this dike you have a beautiful view over Den Dungen with its characteristic church tower and monumental farms.
Gemonde
Gemonde, Ghemonde, Gemunden or Gemundt started as a small hamlet along the river De Dommel, at Den Hogert, where the cemetery is presently situated. Gemonde is a spacious church village with a relatively small number of inhabitants. Parish and club life play an important role in this village until this very day.
Berlicum
Between 600 and 800 AD a group of nomads were the first inhabitants to settle in Berlicum. Their chieftain was called Beer and this is why they were called the “followers of Beer’. This is probably also the origin of the name of the village (Beerlinchem). As Berlicum was situated near ‘s-Hertogenbosch there was much trading by barter. This resulted in the introduction of many new crafts, which in its turn had a positive effect on the prosperity of the population. Nowadays Berlicum, of which Middelrode is part, is a commuting village. In particular the services sector and the building industry offer employment in the village.
Travel documents
Obligation to prove one's identity
If you want to apply for or collect an extract or certificate, you must always be able to prove your identity.
If you authorise members of the household or members of the family to do this, they will have to bring along your identity card as well as their own identity card. Every other person must have a written authorisation. The authorisation must include a copy of your identity card. Authorised representatives must also be able to prove their identity.
Valid identity cards are a passport, European Identity Card, driving licence and residence permits.
Lost your old travel document?
If your passport or identity card has been stolen or you have lost it, you must report this to the police. They will draw up a report. You need this report to apply for a new travel document through your embassy.
Sports and leisure activities
It is possible to practice a sport in Sint-Michielsgestel and its vicinity.
Sint-Michielsgestel also has a flourishing club life.
The municipal authority lets various indoor sports accommodations. For more information you can contact the Welfare department, tel. +31 (0)73 553 12 11.
Municipal sports accommodations
Sports centre De Misse, Jacobskamp 25, 5275 BJ Den Dungen, tel. +31 (0)73 594 16 65.
Sports centre De Run, Runweg 11, Berlicum, tel. +31 (0)73 503 10 07.
Sports centre Theereheide, Eikenlaan 5, 5271 RR Sint-Michielsgestel, tel. +31 (0)73 551 31 03.
Swimming
M. and G. Tibosch, De Hoefsevonder 1, 5258 SP Berlicum, tel. +31 (0)73 503 31 47
Swimming pool Zegenwerp, Esscheweg 5, 5271 NB Sint-Michielsgestel, tel. +31 (0)73 551 26 06
Frequently asked questions
Which bus goes from 's-Hertogenbosch to the village of Sint-Michielsgestel?
Line 159 goes directly to the Petrus Dondersplein in Sint-Michielsgestel.
Line 156 goes via Den Dungen to the Petrus Dondersplein in Sint-Michielsgestel.
Line 158 goes to Berlicum. This bus does not go to Sint-Michielsgestel.
Where can I learn the Dutch or another foreign language?
Language Institute Regina Coeli BV, Martinilaan 12, 5262 BR Vught, tel. +31 (0)73 684 87 90.
Language Institute Jeroen Bosch, Maurickplein 1, 5261 BV Vught, tel. +31 (0)73 657 90 53.
INTO Study Exchanges, Grinsel 74, 5271TL Den Dungen, tel. +31 (0)73 594 14 35
How many inhabitants does the municipality have?
On January 2008 there were: 28.027 inhabitants
Where can I stay the night in your municipality or in the vicinity?
Boer Goossens. tel. +31 (0)73 594 12 91, Heilig Hartplein 2, 5275 BM Den Dungen.
Van de Valk Hotel Vught, tel. +31 (0)73 658 77 77, Bosscheweg 2, 5261 AA Vught.
Minicamping: Family Van der Aa, tel. +31 (0)73 503 72 01, Schellekesveld 7, 5258 TM Berlicum.
What should I do when the siren goes off?
When the siren goes off it gives a warning. It means that there is a calamity! What kind of calamity?
It could be anything. Hazardous substances released during a fire, a serious accident, an imminent flood... In any case this siren is warning you. You must go inside immediately and turn on your local radio or television station Omroep Brabant and wait for further instructions.
Is there a recycling shop in your municipality?
Venkant 7, Sint-Michielsgestel, tel. 073-551 61 28. Opened on Friday between 10.00-17.00 hours and on Saturday between 12.00-16.00 hours.
Theerestraat 7, Sint-Michielsgestel, tel. 073-551 21 81. Opened on Saturday between 10.00-16.00 hours. This is a shop of the Jan Vink Foundation.
Where can I apply for volunteer work?
The Volunteer Switchboard is part of the Volunteer Centre. This centre is located at Cult2000.
Seminarielaan 3
5271 SG Sint-Michielsgestel
+31 (0)73 551 54 32
Zonnebloem: +31 (0)73 551 60 74
Workshop Den Dungen: +31 (0)73 594 11 64
Illegal waste dumped? Sewer blocked? Combating vermin? Roads subsided?
You can ask for advice and receive assistance from the Field Staff (Buitendienst), if necessary.
Phone +31 (0)73 553 12 00. Can be reached on workdays between 10.00-12.00 hours.
Where can I get information about the collection of waste material?
On the waste information line: tel. +31 (0)73 553 11 90. Can be contacted every workday between 09.00-12.00 hours.
Firma Van Kaathoven: tel. +31 (0) 413 48 16 16. With questions about (not) emptying containers, broken containers and container chips.
Administration
The work method of the municipal administration
Local council and the Municipal Executive.
The administration of the municipality comprises the local council (elected people’s representation) and the Municipal Executive. The aldermen are appointed by the council, but are not a member of the local council. Both the local council and the Municipal Executive have their own responsibilities and powers within the responsibility.
Roles of council and Municipal Executive
The local council has a framework-setting, a people-representing and a monitoring role. The Municipal Executive forms the executive of the municipality and is in charge of working out and implementing policy, with regard to which the council has established frameworks. In other words: the council outlines the policy (setting frameworks), which is also based on what the population wants (people representation). The Municipal Executive uses this as a basis for a concrete policy and implementation. Afterwards the council judges whether the Municipal Executive has managed to shape the implementation within the set frameworks (checking).
Aldermen
The local council appoints the aldermen. Each of the aldermen, who are not part of the local council, but who form the executive of the municipality together with the mayor, are responsible for a part of the municipal policy. Since aldermen are not a member of the local council, it is not necessary for an alderman to first be elected in the local council. On a national level an appointed minister does not have to come from parliament. Likewise, an alderman does not first to have been a councillor before being appointed.
The central role of the mayor
The mayor plays a central role within the local administration. On the one hand he is chairman of the Municipal Executive. In this capacity he acts as a policy coordinator, is responsible for the unity in the policy of the Municipal Executive and he sees to it that the policy and resolutions are prepared, adopted and implemented in time. The mayor is also chairman of the local council and monitors the quality of the relationship between the administration and citizens. With regard to the latter he gives account to the local council every year through a citizen annual report. This means that this report also contributes to the monitoring role of the council. Moreover, the mayor is the key figure in the cooperation with other municipalities and governments.
Meetings
The Local council meets every month on the last Thursday of the month at 20.00 hours in the council chamber. The meetings are public. You are very welcome as a member of the public, however you do not have a right to speak.
The Committees meet every month in the council chamber. The meetings are public. You can apply in advance to the secretary of the committee for a right to speak.
The Municipal Executive meets every week. The meetings are not public. The list of resolutions is published afterwards.
War history
Building Viataal, Theerestraat
Former main building of the Klein-Seminarie ‘Beekvliet’, which is a preparatory seminary. It was built between 1909 and 1917 according to the design of the architect W.Th. van Aalst from ‘s-Hertogenbosch. It has a floor underneath a slate-covered rising hipped roof, which includes slate-covered wooden dormers on the north, west and south side. The originally 70-metre long building, which was extended in 1918 to 83 metres, has façades with clean masonry and a freestone plinth, in which arched basement windows with natural stone fascias and decorative details can be seen. The building is of great historical importance for two reasons. It was used by the German occupants between 14 May 1942 and 6 September 1944 as a camp for Dutch hostages. A commemorative stone has been placed in the hall to commemorate the improper use of the seminary as a hostage camp. The building is also a fine and representative example of the architecture of (Roman Catholic) schools, boarding schools and monasteries around 1900.
On 23 October 1944 the village of Sint-Michielsgestel was liberated by the tank regiment of the first Northamptonshire Yeomanry in cooperation with the 51st Scottish Highland division. In September 1984 Ken Tout, a war veteran, visited Sint-Michielsgestel. After his visit he wrote a letter to the then mayor Smits van Oyen, which included the following extract:
‘We had advanced from Schijndel. Just about where the Bejaardenhuis De Beemden now stands. My friend, Corporal Dwight, one of our tank commanders, was hit and lost a leg, but happily is still with us today walking with an artificial leg. We arrived in the town in time to see the bridge blown up. My tank moved forward to more or less the end of Old School Lane where the weight of the tank caused it to overturn into a large ditch which is still there on the left side of the road. In the crash my left leg was injured. We were pulled out of the ditch by a recovery vehicle and spent most of that night outside your present office. During the night a local man who lived in the street came out and brought us a tray of coffee in spite of the fact that bombs and shells were still crashing down. Next morning I moved on over the temporary bridge towards Vught. My leg injury became worse and I was taken to hospital in England, the bone of the leg having been seriously affected.’
* In its original meaning yeomanry is a landstorm cavalry; a voluntary cavalry, formed mainly by yeomen.
Ken Tout wanted to travel to Noord-Brabant with other war veterans to visit cemeteries and places where they had fought. He requested the mayor to arrange places where the group could stay during their visit to our country. Their visit to our country tightened the bonds of friendship even more.
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