Culture and art
Enjoying the masterpieces
Attention to Masterful Cultural Heritage
Archaeological findings show that this area was already inhabited in prehistoric times. From Charlemagne (around 800) until the 14th century, the seigniory of Heeze, Leende and Zesgehuchten was a free seigniory. This means that it was not part of a duchy or county. The area of the seigniory ran from the Belgian border to Stratum, which is now part of Eindhoven. In 1334, the lordship of Heeze, Leende and Zesgehuchten was contributed to the Duchy of Brabant, in exchange for Gaasbeek Castle near Brussels.
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From 1880, Heeze emerged as an attraction for artists. Scenes of shepherds, potato harvesters, country life, farms and talking heads were grateful subjects for painters. They were welcomed there. For contemporary expressionism and modern art, visit various galleries and studios. Village houses 't Perron, de Schammert and de Valentijn provide a cultural agenda with theater, film, lectures and music concerts. With about ten thousand inhabitants, Heeze is the largest village in the municipality. The beautifully situated Kasteel Heeze is among the few authentic castles in the Netherlands that are still inhabited. It is open to the public.
Sterksel is the smallest and perhaps the most remarkable village. In the early twentieth century, an entrepreneur wanted to turn this place into a luxurious garden village. Land was reclaimed and fens drained. A narrow gauge railway was even built. A monument, consisting of 15 meters of narrow gauge track, is a reminder of this. The village flourished. Unfortunately, this dream never quite came true due to the bankruptcy of the initiator.
In Leenderstrijp there are beautiful long-gabled farmhouses that are more than worth a look. The various farmhouses, distributed throughout the village, together form a unique picture that often amazes visitors.