Van Sasse Pumping Station - Grave

The Van Sasse pumping station was built in 1928, shortly after the construction of the weir at Grave. Before that, the Raam River flowed into the Meuse by natural fall. The higher water level caused by the weir made that impossible. The pumping station was the solution: when the Meuse is too high, water from the Raam is pumped into the river using large pumps. When water levels are low, the water can still drain by gravity.

The building is a striking brick structure in the sober but stately style of the 1920s. Inside are impressive screw pumps, very modern at the time, that are still in use today. Together with the sluice, the pumping station is an essential part of the drainage system for the Raam valley and the surrounding polders.

The name refers to Mr Jacob George Hieronymus van Sasse van Ysselt, dike warden and a key figure in water management developments at the time. Thanks to his efforts, the area was given the means to remain safe for living and farming.

The Van Sasse pumping station is now a listed national monument, valued for its engineering, architecture and cultural-historical significance.

The information centre in the basement of the pumping station is open from April to September on the last Sunday of every month from 11:00 to 16:00 and on Open Monument Day.

Photo: ©Eefke Peeters via Land van Cuijk