The traces of all these inhabitants can occasionally still be seen, as it’s dredged up and excavated. Asselt is best known for the possible presence of a palace (royal country house) owned by Charlemagne that is said to have been located here. The palace was occupied by a Viking army in 881 A.D. For almost two years they made the southern Meuse region, ranging as far as Luxembourg and spanning a large part of the Rhineland (even as far as Prüm and Trier), unsafe.
In the tenth century, the Romanesque church on the Meuse was constructed and around it a small village blossomed. The Meuse was always dangerous and during a major flood in the sixteenth century the tower and part of the church collapsed. A new brick tower was placed on the other side. After that, the church gradually fell into disrepair.
In 1916, a young parish priest came and restored Asselt to its former glory. Father Pinckers supervised the restoring of the church by the Roermond architect Pierre Cuypers, founded the present museum and made the rich Roman life and folklore visible. The flower processions he organised were famous.
In recent years Asselt has become more known for the Vikings. There is a Norsemen walking route and facets of their lives are recreated in a summer Norsemen spectacle.
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NOTE: The Archeo landmark is located opposite restaurant De Boei, at cycling information post 87.
TIP: This location is part of Ode-aan-de-Maas
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Cultural History Museum Asselt
Pastor Pinckersstraat 26, 6071 NW Swalmen
Opening Hours: on Sunday and public holidays from 14:00-17:00 hrs.
Visit other Archeo route Limburg locations