Blije is known to have had a church ever since the early 13th century, which in catholic times was dedicated to St. Nicolaas. Of the original Romanesque church built in that century only the tower remains. The church itself was replaced by the current Gothic one in the 16th century. It's a rather big church for such a small village, a reminder of the time when Blije was a place of larger regional importance.
Various sources state that the church was built in c. 1540, but it is unknown what part of the church this date refers to; not only is there a small gap between the nave and the choir, the windows of the choir are narrower as well, giving reason to believe the choir was built first, perhaps when the old and shorter church was still standing. Probably in 1737 the roof of the nave was heightened with 3.50 metres, The tower was heightened shortly after, in c. 1741.
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The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.
Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.