The Wiel van Bassa has been designated as a geological monument. It is the largest in the Netherlands and the remnant of a breakthrough of the Diefdijk in 1573 near Schoonrewoerd. Not only the wheel but also the surrounding area has been shaped by this event. With this designation, the province of Utrecht now has nine geological monuments.
Deputy Has Bakker (province of Utrecht), councilor Ton van Maanen (municipality of Vijfheerenlanden), and Jos Bisschops (Foundation the South Holland Landscape) unveiled a work of art near the beach by the Wiel van Bassa on Thursday, July 17. This artwork tells the unique story of this area.
Breakthrough in 1573
Wiel van Bassa is also known as the Schoonrewoerdse Wiel or Kruidhofwiel, and was formed after the Diefdijk broke through during high water. Eddies that remain after a breakthrough come in many sizes, this one can certainly be called enormous. The eddy that remained here is approximately 13 hectares large and 8 meters deep, making it the largest in the Netherlands. Surrounding it are now orchards, meadows, and homes. There are also two notable monumental houses next to the wheel: the Dordtse Huis and farm De Kruithof. Beautiful walking and cycling routes run along the Wiel van Bassa.
The designation as a geological monument and the unveiling of the artwork were celebrated on the afternoon of July 17. Attendees were given a tour by ranger René Garskamp. This walk included visits to the orchards. Since the breakthrough, fruit cultivation in the area has flourished because fertile soil has emerged.
Thus, the breakthrough has undeniably affected the surrounding area.
Geological monuments tell a story
The province of Utrecht is committed to preserving and making accessible such places of historical value, also for future generations. Other geological monuments in the province include the Grebbeberg, Oostbroek and Niënhof, River Island de Bol, the Boulder Island, the Waaien in Eemland, Plantage Willem II, the Lange and Korte Duinen, and the Westbroekse Zodden. The Wiel van Bassa is the newest addition.
What is particularly special about the whole process is that the Wiel van Bassa is located in the province of Utrecht but is still owned and managed by the Foundation the South Holland Landscape. In the province of Utrecht, this Foundation still manages 600 hectares of land. This is the result of the merger since January 1, 2019, of the municipalities of Leerdam, Zederik, and Vianen into the municipality of Vijfheerenlanden.
For press information:
jiri.glaap@provincie-utrecht.nl
06 39 63 21 97