Surroundings

7,000 years of history

Did you know Sittard-Geleen is one of the oldest inhabited regions in the Netherlands? Excavations have uncovered artefacts used by prehistoric farmers of the Linear Pottery culture, around 5250 BC. Since that time, many more events of significance have taken place, about which innumerable epic tales can be told.

After periods of Spanish, Austrian, French, Belgian and German occupation, Sittard-Geleen only became officially Dutch in 1867. Once, the town had the most modern coalmine in Europe, witnessed the last witch trials in the Netherlands and became world news after the escape of Asor the Lion!

Discover the lifelines

Meet Asor the Lion

Play video

Meet Asor the Lion and learn about his remarkable visit to the church of St Michael in 1938. Would you like to find out more about Sittard-Geleen’s life stories? If so, visit Sittard-Geleen’s Visit Zuid-Limburg Experience (Rosmolenstraat 2, Sittard) and follow the historical time line.

Cultural heritage

Discover Sittard-Geleen’s treasures Those who enjoy cultural heritage will be in for a big surprise in Sittard-Geleen. This includes impressive castles, churches, mills and monasteries, each with an illustrious past. All these outstanding monuments have their own fascinating story to tell.

All cultural heritage

Sittard’s historic old town

The charming old town centre with its historic buildings welcomes visitors with open arms. On sunny days, with its outdoor cafes, there is nothing to beat Sittard’s enchanting market square. In many bars and restaurants you can enjoy its epicurean delights the whole year round. The winding streets and alleyways are a constant source of wonder with their array of speciality shops and boutiques. No wonder that Sittard has a reputation for the good life.

Discover Sittard

Yet more surprises in the surroundings:

Magnificent churches

Sittard-Geleen’s illustrious past is reflected in its magnificent churches and charming shrines. Each and every one of them has its own history to tell. The townscape is dominated by towers and spires. Visitors are forever walking in the shadow of a church tower.

Majestic castles

Those who enjoy historic castles will have a field day in Sittard-Geleen. Whether it’s an impressive ruin, or a beautifully restored chateau, all these outstanding monuments have their own fascinating story to tell.

Working watermills

In the historic and rural surroundings of Sittard-Geleen, there are lots of interesting mills to be discovered. Many of these have a long and fascinating past. Some are still in operation, whilst other have been converted into hospitality venues. So now you can learn about their history over some delicious food and drink!

Route of Curiosities

The Grensmaasvallei is home to countless buildings and locations with a colourful past. So what happens when the doors are shut? Do you just keep on cycling? Not with the Route of Curiosities! There are more than 30 locations along the route where it’s possible to take a 360° audiovisual tour and experience these curiosities from your own smartphone.

Vertel mij meer!

Monasteries and convents with a colourful past

The town’s turbulent religious past is reflected in its many monasteries and convents. Experience living reminders of its ecclesiastical past and present, which are deeply entwined with the region’s identity.

There’s so much to discover in Sittard-Geleen

Waking up in Sittard-Geleen

A romantic break or a fun week away? Sittard-Geleen has overnight accommodation to suit any excursion, leaving you to discover the charm of the place without a worry or care.

Don’t miss these hotspots

Sittard-Geleen is a place to love! There’s something to see and do all year round. Before you start exploring, this brochure gives you some helpful hints of places you should simply not miss! This will make your holiday or day-out even more spectacular!

Culinary delights

Sittard-Geleen is a gourmet’s Mecca, to which its many bars and restaurants bear witness. Above all, don’t forget to try out some of the fantastic dishes so typical of the region.

What’s there to do?

The lifelines of Sittard-Geleen

Wat is er te doen in Sittard-Geleen?

Discover Sittard-Geleen’s surroundings

7,000 years of history

Meet Asor the Lion

Cultural heritage

Sittard’s historic old town

Yet more surprises in the surroundings:

Magnificent churches

Majestic castles

Working watermills

Route of Curiosities

Monasteries and convents with a colourful past

There’s so much to discover in Sittard-Geleen

Waking up in Sittard-Geleen

Don’t miss these hotspots

Culinary delights

Discover Sittard-Geleen’s surroundings

7,000 years of history

Meet Asor the Lion

Cultural heritage

Sittard’s historic old town

Yet more surprises in the surroundings:

Magnificent churches

Majestic castles

Working watermills

Route of Curiosities

Monasteries and convents with a colourful past

There’s so much to discover in Sittard-Geleen

Waking up in Sittard-Geleen

Don’t miss these hotspots

Culinary delights

Welcome to Sittard-Geleen!