| Official Name: | Oud-Rekem |
| Settlement Type: | Village |
| Pushpin Map: | Belgium |
| Pushpin Label Position: | left |
| Pushpin Map Caption: | Location in Belgium |
| Pushpin Mapsize: | 250 |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Type1: | Region |
| Subdivision Type2: | Province |
| Subdivision Type3: | Municipality |
| Subdivision Name: |  |
| Subdivision Name1: | Flemish Region |
| Subdivision Name2: | Limburg |
| Subdivision Name3: | Lanaken |
| Area Total Km2: | 0.25 |
| Population As Of: | 2021 |
| Population Footnotes: | [1] |
| Population Total: | 415 |
| Population Density Km2: | auto |
| Timezone: | CET |
| Coordinates: | 50.925°N 5.7072°W |
Oud-Rekem is a village in the Lanaken municipality of the Limburg province of Belgium. The village is considered one of the most authentic villages of Belgium.[2] [3] Since 1994, it is protected as a monument.[4]
Oud-Rekem was first mentioned in 1140 as Radekeim.[4] The village was first a heerlijkheid. In 1356, it became a barony, and was elevated to county in 1623.[5]
During the 16th, 17th and 18th century, the town was located in a heavily contested area. Oud-Rekem was plundered, and had to station troops on multiple occasions.[4] In 1602, the first walls were erected around the town. Between 1625 and 1630, a second layer of defence was erected. In 1638, a third wall was built in between the first and second. Even though the walls were removed between 1825 and 1836, traces are still visible.[4]
In 1795 or 96, Oud-Rekem became part of Rekem,[5] and in 1977, the municipality was merged into Lanaken.[6]
In 1994, the old centre was protected as a monument.[4] Oud-Rekem won the election for in 2008.[3] [7]
The Aspremont-Lynden Castle is located in the centre. The original castle dated from the Carolingian era. A larger castle was built in 1350 and existed until 1507. In 1597, the current castle was built by Count Herman d'Aspremont-Lynden. In 1792, the castle was confiscated by the French who demolished parts of the building. In 1921, the castle became a psychiatric hospital. The castle is surrounded by a large garden.[8]
The is a nearby nature reserve which consists of grasslands, hedges, and pools. It is home to badgers and beavers.[9]