Koningin Julianaplein Vaals

On and in the vicinity of the newly designed Koningin Julianaplein, many elements are reminiscent of Von Clermont. While walking, visitors pass the various buildings and elements that remind us of Vaals' glorious textile past. The Koningin Julianaplein is the place where the Aachen cloth manufacturer Johann Arnold Von Clermont put Vaals on the map with his cloth industry in the 18th century. The textile industry brought great economic prosperity to the border town.

As a Protestant in Aachen, Von Clermont had too little opportunity to practice his religion. That is why he chose to live in Vaals. He had the Von Clermont House built here, which he furnished as a cloth factory and partly also used as a residence and office. Wool was woven, pressed and dyed. In the design for the public space of the Koningin Julianaplein, the influence of Von Clermont with his cloth industry is prominently expressed. In the courtyard of the town hall, a work of art has been laid out in the form of the 'Färberbecken' (paint basin). This waterwork symbolizes Von Clermont's dyehouse.

By means of a special construction, it looks as if the cloths are washed, using the colors that were also used in the dyeing mill in the past. Red was the color for precious fabrics. The market carpet is located on the Koningin Julianaplein itself. The paving of this has the motif of a woven cloth. On the square there is a fountain field with 44 sprinklers. The Clermont garden next to the Copper Mill is inspired by Von Clermont's garden, which was located on the south side of the current town hall in the 18th century. Here, a small spring stone (fed with water from the Gau) creates a pleasant atmosphere.

Tourist Board South Limburg (Visit Zuid-Limburg)