Stellen in Zeeland

‘Stellen’ in the province of Zeeland

This article explores the historical and geographical features known as ‘stellen’ in the Zeeland region of the Netherlands and adjacent areas. These man-made elevated land structures historically served dual purposes: providing refuge for livestock and people during high tides and incorporating a water storage feature known as a ‘vate’ for collecting fresh water. Throughout the Middle Ages and early modern period, stellen were crucial for survival in a landscape frequently subjected to floods and characterized by salty marshlands. Over time, as dike construction and agricultural advancements transformed the landscape, the importance and prevalence of stellen waned, leading to the disappearance of most of these structures. Today, the Bruinisser stelberg stands as the sole remaining stelle, serving as a testament to the region’s significant environmental and human changes over centuries.