Slot Ravesteyn, Medieval castle ruins in Heenvliet, Netherlands.
Slot Ravesteyn is a medieval castle ruin in Heenvliet with remnants of a stone keep and four corner towers surrounded by a moat system. The structure occupies an area where earthen foundations and scattered stonework reveal traces of its former layout.
The castle was founded around 1250 by Hugo van Heenvliet and functioned as both a residence and detention facility. It was destroyed in 1572 during the Dutch Revolt, though the underground cellars continued to serve as a prison for many decades after.
The site holds meaning for locals as a symbol of regional heritage and medieval legacy. Visitors walking through the grounds can sense how this place anchored community identity for centuries.
The ruins are most accessible during summer months when the Stede en Vrije Heerlykheyt Heenvliet foundation offers guided tours. The site is open and easy to walk around, though there are few sheltered areas if weather turns wet.
The underground prison cells remained in use for longer than the castle itself was standing after its destruction. This makes the cellars a notable example of how a medieval facility continued serving its original purpose for generations beyond the main building's demise.
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