Zandenburg, Medieval castle ruins in Veere, Netherlands.
Zandenburg is a medieval castle in Veere with foundations buried beneath farmland, showing a rectangular layout and moat system that reveal its original defensive character near the town's fortifications. The underground remains are accessible through archaeological excavations and have been documented through floor plans created by mathematician Isaac Hildernisse.
The castle was built around 1280 by Wolfert I of Borselen as a noble residence. It later received an important visit from Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, in 1437.
The site played a role in shaping how Veere developed as a settlement, with a small harbor near the foundations growing into the town you see today.
The site lies beneath farmland, making a visit challenging without guided archaeological tours or local guidance. It is best to contact the local visitor center or check with museums in the area to learn more about the excavated finds and current access options.
The name literally means 'castle on sand,' reflecting its location within the former Lordship of Zanddijk. This naming speaks to the unusual soil conditions and how the land evolved in this part of the region.
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