Monuments in Opsterland: Heritage that connects

Why municipal monuments?

Built heritage contributes greatly to the quality of the living environment. Well-maintained historic buildings provide Opsterland villages with a pleasant appearance. They strengthen the identity of a place and evoke recognition and pride. In addition, heritage has economic value: it attracts tourists and entrepreneurs who like to settle in an environment with character. Moreover, the market value of a monument is on average higher than that of a regular house.

Marcel van Opzeeland, Alderman heritage:
"Well-being leads to well-being. Mei it oanwizen fan gemeentlike monuminten jouwe weardefolle plakken yn ús doarpen the recognition dy't se fertsjinje. Se fertelle wa't wy binne en wêr't wy weikomme. Troch dizze pans te beskermjen, ynvestearje we net allinnich yn ús ferline, mar ek yn de takomst fan Opsterlân."

The story of Opsterland

Opsterland's history lives on in its buildings. From the stately mansions in Beetsterzwaag, the residential/commercial buildings in Gorredijk to the workers' dwellings in Lippenhuizen, each tells a unique story. Together they form a tangible reminder of the development of the municipality, the people who lived, worked and lived there.

Municipal monuments give these stories a lasting place. Not only buildings, but also, for example, bridges, tombstones, squares, special trees or archaeological sites can be given this status.

Recognizable properties

To make the new status of these special places visible, all municipal monuments will receive a special sign on the facade. This makes it clear to residents and visitors that they are dealing with protected heritage. Opsterland is the first municipality where the signs bear the Frisian text 'gemeentlik monumint'.

Caring for heritage

With the introduction of municipal monuments, we show that we recognize and protect the value of our history. For us, heritage is not a burden, but an opportunity: to learn, to experience and to pass on to future generations. Together we ensure that the story of Opsterland continues to exist: in stone, wood, glass and especially in the heart of our villages.

Jitze Verloop, co-owner of De Bakkers van Verloop:
"We as De Bakkers van Verloop are proud that our bakery in Beetsterzwaag has become one of the first municipal monuments. The building is a beautiful building with character. It is important to preserve this kind of heritage. Because once it's gone, you can't get it back. The appearance of our monumental bakery attracts people and creates recognition. It makes us unique as a store."