VOERENDAAL – Lady Voerendaal – The best place to live – 6.2 km

Welcome to the Roman walk through Voerendaal. The Lady of Voerendaal will accompany you.

In the 1980s, the Villa Voerendaal was excavated. It turned out to be the largest Roman agricultural estate in the region, complete with an impressive manor house. This excavation taught us a great deal about life in Roman times, around 2,000 years ago. Near the villa, a sandstone portrait of a lady was discovered. She soon became known as the Lady of Voerendaal. She will guide you along her favourite places and share the latest gossip about her friends along the Via Belgica.

The stories of the Lady of Voerendaal are based on archaeological discoveries and excavations. These stories are not “true” events, but they offer you a glimpse into Roman life in this region 2,000 years ago — a region that was pleasant to live in then and still is today, with its castles, monumental farmhouses, fertile fields, and proximity to a major thoroughfare.

Practical information:

• Starting point of the walking route? Voerendaal railway station
• Distance? 6.2 km
• Roman guide? Lady Voerendaal
• Tips for your ideal audio walk:
  • Download the free VIA VIA / Via Belgica app from the App Store or Play Store
  • Select your language in the app and activate notifications
  • Earphones will enhance your listening experience
  • Enable your location and let the GPS system in the app guide you
  • At special locations, you will hear the sound of a Roman cornu and a pop-up with additional information will appear in the app

Credits: The audio walks were developed by public archaeologist Béatrice de Fraiture – BdF Producties.