Kerkrade was founded around the 11th century from the older Richterich. The name red refers to forest clearing (red = grubbing up) from the Middle Ages. In the late Middle Ages, Kerkrade was located on an important east-west oriented road that connected Flanders with the Rhineland. Trade goods were transported west by horse and carriage from Cologne, the central market town on the Rhine, along this road.
Products of the Flemish trade and industry in an easterly direction. This road largely follows the old Roman road known as Via Belgica. Between Valkenburg and Jülich the route ran via the Wijngracht through Kerkrade and along Rolduc to Herzogenrath, where an important toll was located. It is striking that a large part of this route has street names with 'wine' in them. These are likely to be etymologically related to the term 'wine'. The wine transports, consisting of large barrels on carts, must have been striking. The Middle Ages tended to name places and roads according to their striking aspects.
In 2014, archaeologists carried out archaeological research near the Wijngracht. A large wide moat was found which, based on the material found, dates back to the 15th-16th century. The deep, pointed moat is oriented northeast-southwest and could be followed for a distance of almost 60 meters. Whether this canal is related to the medieval trade route is still a big mystery.
Tourist information:
De Vondst: Center for Archeology in Limburg
Raadhuisplein 20, 6411 HK Heerlen
www.devondst.nl
Rolduc Abbey (hotel restaurant & conference center)
Heyendallaan 82, 6464 EP Kerkrade
www.rolduc.com
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NOTE: The location is located behind the town hall in Kerkrade on the Martin Buberplein. The address entered above is the library located on the same square.
Archaeological site Kerkrade - The Wijngracht
Archeologische vindplaats Kerkrade - De Wijngracht
Martin Buberplein 15
6461 EC
KERKRADE
Experience the archaeological story of the Wijngracht in the center of Kerkrade. Download the app and stand face-to-face with our archaeologist on site. He tells you the history and importance of this wine power through the most modern virtual techniques. It is like transforming into the past.