Burcht van Voorne

Burcht van Voorne is a fortified residence featuring a residential tower with walls three meters thick, surrounded by a moat and built upon an artificially raised earthen mound. The structure displays the defensive design typical of medieval military architecture from that era.

The fortification was built around 1200 as a residence for the Lords of Voorne and served this ruling family until 1372, when Machteld van Voorne's death brought the family line to an end. Following this event, the site lost its role as a noble residence.

The castle earned its nickname Jacoba Burcht from Jacqueline of Bavaria, who spent considerable time at the site while her husband engaged in falconry in the surrounding lands.

The site is open to visitors from mid-April through late October, with expert-led tours provided by the Monumentenbezit organization. It is advisable to check current opening times in advance, as these may vary seasonally.

Archaeological excavations conducted in 1934 revealed multiple construction phases and demonstrated the transition from wooden to stone structures. These discoveries provide insight into how defensive techniques and building practices evolved over time.