Memorial Stone Destruction of St. Joseph Church

Kerkplein 1

5926 RG

Venlo

www.hartvanlimburg.nl

Route

War memorials

It was a dark day in Venlo. It was November 20, 1944, in the midst of World War II. The city had long been occupied by the Germans and the inhabitants lived in constant fear. No one knew what would happen, but everyone knew that something could always happen. This is the day on which the St. Joseph Church was destroyed.

Memorial Stone Destruction of St. Joseph Church

On this day, the Germans decided to blow up the tower of the St. Joseph Church. The church was an important symbol for the local population and a place of peace and hope in these difficult times. But for the Germans, it was just another target they wanted to destroy before retreating. The tower collapsed and the church was almost completely destroyed. But in addition to the destruction of the church, there was even more loss to mourn. Illegal radios, church linen, and precious pieces from the inventory were hidden in the attic next to the tower. Everything was lost in the explosion, including the church interior. It was a heavy blow to the community, which had already suffered so much from the war.

Ommetje Venlo

Ommetje Venlo 13,0 Km is part of the Hiking Trail Limburg Liberation Route Europe. Discover the most important places from WWII in Venlo.