Another slightly unusual pit stop to check out an invisible bridge, parting waters. Biblical!
We arrived on a small dirt parking lot, on the corner of Ligneweg and Fort de Rooverweg. Google Maps did not disappoint.
I did not realise the surrounding area was one of the oldest defensive lines in the Netherlands. A unique and varied landscape with forests, creeks, estates and special monuments. The information board told me so.
The objective of the day was to check out a sunken bridge that was built through a moat. 🤗
From the parking lot, we crossed the street and could easily walk through the gate into Fort de Roovere towards this ‘trench bridge’ within 5 minutes. But we had the idea to walk around it so we could see the fortification walls. A nice scenic walk indeed!
West-Branbantse Waterlinie
The surrounding area was once an active defence line dating back to the 17th century, the West Brabant Waterline (Dutch: West-Branbantse Waterlinie). It was constructed in 1628 between the forts of Moermont, Pinssen, De Roovere and Henricus, formed by low-lying peat bogs that could be deliberately flooded in times of war. With this inundation, an artificial lake was formed with about half a meter deep of water level. This proved to be too shallow for ships to navigate and too deep for foot soldiers or troops hauling artillery to cross.
The West Brabant Waterline was officially abolished in 1816, but in 1830 the area was flooded again. In total, the defence line was activated six times by inundation between 1628 and 1830: once against the Spanish, four times against the French and the last time against the Belgians. Once under water, it took years for the water to recede. All in all, the area was under water for about 50 years. (Source: Brabants Erfgoed)
Fort de Roovere
This very fort was the largest of the four forts located in this area between the town of Steenbergen and Bergen op Zoom. Its design was according to the Old Dutch model with four bastioned corners. After the fall of the French Empire Napoleon in 1816, Fort de Roovere ceased to have any real military purpose. It fell into disrepair and was reclaimed by nature.
In 1975, Fort de Roovere was designated as a national monument.
By the year 2000, there were initiatives started by the locals to revive the fort to its former glory.
In 2010, the fortification was restored according to its original 1784 design configuration. New functioning modern engineering structures were added to facilitate recreational purposes. These included the “Mozezbrug” and the “Pompejustoren”
Mozesbrug
Mozesbrug or Moses Bridge lies like a trench hidden within the fortress and the moat, made to blend in outlining the fortification. The bridge is partially submerged in the water with steps appearing to fade into the sides of the defensive walls. From a distance, Moses Bridge is invisible!
Designed by RO & AD Architects and constructed in 2010, it is entirely made of Accoya wood and waterproofed with EPDM foil. Flooding is not an issue as the height of the water is controlled by adjustable dams at both sides of the moat.
Walking on this pedestrian bridge with the water level at chest height, without getting my feet wet was a surreal feeling. You can cross the parted moat water safely just like the biblical tales of Moses parting the water of Red Seas. It’s quite amazing! Objective checked ✅.
I imagine each season offers a different kind of wonderful view surrounding this bridge. Moses Bridge is an architectural miracle!
Pompejustoren
A stone’s throw away from Moses Bridge, there is a multi-functional leaning watchtower or viewing platform structure. It literally sticks out so you can’t miss it! It is composed of a combination of galvanized steel and wood. Pompejustoren is named after the first commander of the fort: Pompejus de Roovere.
The watchtower is located on the former site of a restored bastion, since 2017. The tower is about 25 meters high and has 129 steps to the top. Designed by RO & AD Architects as well.
From the viewing deck atop this tower, you could see as far as 20km. There are stainless steel panels showcasing Fort de Roovere’s position and situation back in 1747, during the siege of Bergen op Zoom. The tower doubles as an open-air theatre and music concert venue. You can barely see the Moses Bridge from up here.
We made our way back, walking through the centre of the fort, down the walls and passing by “De Schaft”, a former management hut of Fort de Roovere, which is now a lunchroom. It is closed every Monday and Tuesday unfortunately. Then walked on the Ans van Den Berg Bridge over a dry moat, crossed the road and back to the carpark.
We did not walk the other half round outside the fortification walls due to time constraints. This was an unplanned detour. Thus, missing the opportunity to see a tunnel that has been excavated which is now accessible to visitors somewhere.
There are walking trails and cycling routes according to the information board next to the parking area. You could bike the 8.6km green route in about 34 minutes or walk the dry-up land of 8.4km orange route which will take about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Something to do for next time.
If you have about 30-60 minutes, this is a great spot to distract yourself or your kids exploring fort.
📍Schansbaan 8. 4661 PN Halsteren.
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