Oud Wulven, Houten, Medieval castle ruins in Houten, Netherlands.
Oud Wulven is a castle ruin on an artificial mound near Houten, originally built with a tower, moat, and defensive walls. The remains sit near the Oud Wulfseweg road within the surrounding farmland and countryside.
Ernst van Wulven founded the castle in 1296 and later transferred it to Count Floris of Holland, prompting opposition from the Bishop of Utrecht. These power struggles between local rulers shaped the site's fate for years to come.
The site preserves restored entrance pillars from the 18th century that lead to a farmhouse, showing Dutch building traditions from different eras. These elements give visitors today a sense of how the original property's entrance once looked and functioned.
The castle remains are located at Koedijk 1 in Houten and can be reached through the surrounding farmland. Visitors should watch for field paths near the De Gaarde neighborhood as the route passes through open terrain.
A restored portal from the original castle structure was integrated into the facade of a municipal building in Houten. This piece was deemed too valuable to leave on site, and it now reminds visitors passing through town of the place's past.
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