Follow in the footsteps of the Spanish army!
This route connects the cities (affiliated with the Association of Dutch Fortified Towns) and tells the story of the origin of the Netherlands during the Eighty Years’ War (1568-1648).
During the Eighty Years’ War, the Netherlands, led by William of Orange, revolted against the Spanish Empire of King Philip II. This started with the Iconoclasm in 1566. With the destruction of Catholic statues and art, dissatisfaction with the Spanish rule was turned into violence.
Experience history through the route taken by the Spanish army in the 17th century.
Geertruidenberg & Heusden
Geertruidenberg
At the beginning of the Eighty Years’ War, William of Orange ordered the replacement of the city walls with earthen walls, bulwarks and moats.
Due to its strategic location, the city was of great importance to the States. But in 1589 the city was sold to the Spaniards by the mutinous English garrison…
Siege of Geertruidenberg
In 1593 Geertruidenberg was besieged by States troops led by Maurits van Nassau, later Prince of Orange. Maurits made use of a circumvallation line that was continued on the water.
He had warships, interconnected by strong cables, form a semicircle around Geertruedenberg. As a result, the city could no longer be supplied by water. After months of fighting, the Spanish army surrendered.
Heusden
In 1569 the fortress was besieged by the Spaniards and completely destroyed. A few years later, in 1581, William of Orange ordered the modernization of the fortifications. As a result, the harbor and the castle came to lie within the ramparts. During the Eighty Years’ War, Heusden played an important role as a bridgehead for the States.
Which junctions do you follow for the cycling route ‘The Spanish Road’ (62 km)
Geertruidenberg – Heusden
Start: Corner Stationsweg/Walgang in Geertruidenberg
42 – 24 – 31 – 12 – 13 – 16 -45 – 17 – 44 – 15 – 14 – 70 – 87 -5 – 4 – 84
Heusden – Geertruidenberg
60 – 58 – 59 – 2 – 36 – 75 – 13 – 48 – 29 – 1 – 93 – 41 – 40 – 42
