VOX: Walk with a Roman voice in your ear
Author: Harry Lindelauf
Photography: Submedia en Comkommer
From 14 June onwards, you can walk no fewer than thirteen new Via Belgica hiking routes through the beautiful South Limburg landscape. What makes them special are the stories of seven people from Roman times, who will tell you through your smartphone how they lived, worked, played, and travelled along the ancient Roman road.
The 13 hiking routes can be found under the name VOX in the renewed VIA VIA – Via Belgica app. The stories can be listened to in Dutch, German, French, and English, allowing international tourists to discover the Roman past of the region as well. Thanks to your phone’s GPS, the app knows where you are walking in Maastricht, Meerssen, Voerendaal, Valkenburg, Heerlen, Simpelveld, and Kerkrade. The sound of a Roman cornu (horn) or a text notification on the screen lets you know that a story is available.
Roman event
The hiking routes will be launched on 14 June during a Roman event at Rolduc Abbey in Kerkrade. From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., there will be an attractive programme: a pleasant market, numerous children’s activities, guided tours of the abbey, a guided walk through Kerkrade, and the magical LUX light walk through the rooms of Rolduc Abbey. It is advisable to register for some activities because the number of places is limited.
Live stories
This summer, you can also hear the stories of VOX live during a series of walks. Between 14 June and 20 September, you can join guided walks on seven Sundays with an IVN nature guide, combining stories about nature with the stories of the Roman characters you encounter.
- 14 June – Singer Caecilia in Kerkrade
- 21 June – Potter Lucius in Heerlen
- 28 June – Wine merchant Servatus in Maastricht
- 30 August – Veteran Julius in Simpelveld
- 6 September – Goddess Minerva in Meerssen
- 13 September – Politician Titus in Valkenburg
- 20 September – Lady Voerendaal in Voerendaal
Install the VIA VIA – Via Belgica app on your phone
Register for an activity at Rolduc Abbey
