Kerkrade, Municipality in southeastern Limburg, Netherlands
Kerkrade is a municipality in southeastern Limburg in the Netherlands, stretching across hills and valleys. Located near the German border, the town is shaped by rolling terrain that defines its natural character.
The area took shape from 1104 with the founding of Rolduc Abbey, which served as a center for monastic life and later education. From the 12th century onward, coal mines operated here until the 1970s, transforming the region into an industrial center.
The former Rolduc Abbey shapes the townscape with its Romanesque church, now part of an educational institution. Visitors can explore the architecture and spaces that still bear witness to its monastic heritage.
The area is accessible on foot, with pathways for exploring hills and valleys. Visitors should bring sturdy shoes, as the hilly terrain can make walks more demanding depending on your route.
The Nieuwstraat literally cuts through the German-Dutch border, with the road's center line marking the international boundary. At this unusual spot, visitors can walk from one country to another simply by crossing the street.
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