Mystery numbers

A big blue '3' and then an arrow pointing to a green '1' near Uithuizermeeden on the cycling path that we followed on one of our recent hikes. There were no other numbers, and there was no explanation to what they could mean. Any suggestions?

I'm linking to signs, signs.

Nicolas Church inside

 

Following up on yesterday's post I have 2 photos that were taken inside the Nicolas Church in Oldenzijl. This is the view in the direction of the choir. The pulpit on the right side dates from 1768 and is in Rococo style.

I found this small window in a side wall. It's a so-called quatrefoil (vierpas in Dutch), a decorative element consisting of a symmetrical shape which forms the overall outline of four partially overlapping circles of the same diameter. It is found in art, architecture, heraldry, and traditional Christian symbolism. The word quatrefoil means 'four leaves', referring specifically to a four-leaved clover, but applies in general to four-lobed shapes in various contexts. (from Wikipedia)

Another interesting detail from the Dutch Wikipedia site about the church is that they say that this quatrefoil probably served as a 'hagioscope' or 'squint', an architectural term for a small opening or tunnel at seated eye-level through the wall of a church, that enables a view for one or more worshippers in side-chapels, chantry chapels, or other parts of the church from which the high altar was not visible.
If you're interested check the link for hagioscope for more facts.

Nicolas Church in Oldenzijl

The beautiful Nicolas Church at the edge of  the village of Oldenzijl is partly Roman and partly Early Gothic, and was built in the 13th century. The original -separately standing- church tower was taken down in 1829. It's a protestant church now.

This photo shows that the church is standing on a 'terp', an artificial mound that provides safe ground during storms, high tides and sea or river flooding. In this region of the Netherlands a terp is called "wierde".

I will show you a view inside the church in tomorrow's post.

Baalkjepad

Wide views like these are typical for the province of Groningen. Our hiking route went over this cycling path.

On our way to the village of Oldenzijl we followed the "Baalkjepad".

What's in a name

In 2005 "Doodstil" was honoured to have the most beautiful village name in the Netherlands. It can be translated literally as 'dead-still' or 'mouse-still. Doodstil is a hamlet with about 100 inhabitants in the Groninger region Hogeland.

The name however relates most likely to a (man's) first name Doode or Doede, and 'til' is an old Dutch name for the 'bridge'. So 'Doodstil' means in fact 'Bridge of Doode', and it's a modest one too as you can see on the photo.

Zandeweer church

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, the church in Zandeweer dates from the Middle Ages and was built in the 13th century.

There is a 15th century bell tower standing separate from the church. During WW2 the Germans took the 2 bells from the tower to melt them down, though when the war was over the bells were found unharmed.

View to the back of the church. Our hike continues..

Zandeweer main street

The Hoofdstraat (Main Street) in the village of Zandeweer. It's Sunday and quiet. We are walking towards the Middle Aged church that you see in the background.

A place to rest

Just outside the village of Zandeweer we passed this bench that has a two-dimensional image on it. A bit of googling later learned that it is one of five similar pieces that are called "rustpunten" ('places to rest"). All are in this region, and were made by Maree Blok and Bas Lugthart, two visual artists who live and work together. More is on their website HERE.

Zandeweer

Photo taken last Sunday during our hike when we passed through the small and charming village of Zandeweer, in the Hogeland region of the province of Groningen.The mill in the background is called "Windlust" and is a corn mill from 1818.

I am linking to Weekend Reflections. Enjoy your weekend!

Bulb fields

We passed these tulip fields during our walking route in the Groninger region called ´Hogeland´, this is near the village of Uithuizen.

It was a glorious day for hiking with lots of sun and 25°C (77°F), and the end of a wonderful week. Back to work tomorrow! :)