The history of Thorn
The history of Thorn: a women's stronghold
The white town of Thorn is located in the municipality of Maasgouw, in the heart of the province of Limburg. It is known for its characteristic white-painted buildings and narrow streets that date back to various eras of Dutch history. The history of Thorn is rich and fascinating, spanning more than a thousand years. Thorn was an independent state for more than eight hundred years, where postmistresses led by a royal abbess ruled. Ever since the founding of the post, it has been clear that women played a major role, were their own bosses and did not allow themselves to be overruled by others.
Mini principality of Thorn
Thorn was a small principality for 800 years, where 33 abbess-queens ruled. The little state had its own jurisdiction and minted its own currency. This came to an end with the arrival of the French in 1794. The French introduced a tax based on the size of the windows. More windows in the house meant a higher tax. Poor people bricked up the windows to reduce the tax bill. To hide the 'scars of poverty', houses were whitewashed.
The Abbey Church in Thorn
From monastery church to collegiate church to parish church and museum. The Gothic Abbey Church still dominates the romantic, white town of Thorn. A graceful legacy of 800 years of female rule; ladies of the highest nobility ruled here. The Abbey Church is a Gothic cross basilica with Romanesque westwork, dating from the 10th century. The interior is baroque with an imposing high altar. Did you know that you can visit the Abbey Church in Thorn almost every day?
Chapel under the Lindens
A little outside the centre of Thorn is the Chapel under the Lindens (Kapel onder de Linden). In 1673, Clara Elisabeth, Countess of Manderscheidt Blankenheim, canoness of Thorn State Abbey, had the chapel built just outside Thorn as a devotion to Mary. The chapel can still be visited today, more than 350 years later. The Chapel under the Lindens is open daily for prayer, lighting a candle or to take a break.
Themed walks Thorn
The best way to find out more about Thorn and its history is to go on a walk. Every third Sunday of the month, you can take part in a themed walk led by a Tourist information guide. In addition, tours for groups are available all year round. It is also possible to take a walk through Thorn yourself. This town hike of approx. 2 km takes you past 21 monuments and buildings and is on sale at VVV (Tourist information) Thorn or in the webshop.
Museum Thorn & Tourist Information Thorn
In the Museum Thorn you can learn all about the history of the white town. One of the masterpieces in the museum is the three-dimensional portrait 'Panorama Thorn'. About eight years were spent working on this showpiece and it was made in the scale 1:100. For children, the museum has a fun treasure hunt available on the I-Pad.
The Tourist information VVV Thorn is also located in the same building as the museum. Here you will find a wide range of hiking, cycling and riding routes, city and village walks and tourist information material of the immediate surroundings.
The white town of Thorn
Thorn is a popular tourist destination where visitors not only enjoy the architecture and history of Thorn but also the beautiful nature in the outlying area, the events and the culinary delights in the restaurants in the white town. If you are curious what else there is to see, do and experience in Thorn, click on the button below!
Photo: © Kristel Fotografie Thorn
