Bourtange Fortress, Star fort in the Netherlands
Description
Bourtange is a star-shaped fortress with five bastions, three moats, and several drawbridges surrounding a small village at its center. Massive defensive walls enclose narrow streets and historic buildings arranged within a complete fortification system.
History
Prince William of Orange ordered this military fortress built in 1593 to control the only road between Germany and Groningen during the Eighty Years' War. The fortress served as a strategic barrier designed to stop enemy forces from advancing through the region.
Culture
The Captain's House from 1661 displays weapons and furniture from that era, showing how soldiers lived within the fortress walls. Visitors can see the cramped quarters and everyday objects that reveal the routines of garrison life.
Practical
The fortress is best explored on foot, with paved pathways that are relatively flat and suitable for walking shoes. The five museums inside have different opening hours, so plan ahead to decide which ones fit your schedule.
Did you know?
Each Sunday afternoon, a centuries-old tradition continues with the firing of a historical cannon across the restored ramparts. This ritual brings the fortress to life with a sound and sight that echoes the military past.
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This collection brings together fortified military structures that show how defensive architecture has evolved across different eras and continents. Malbork Castle in Poland spans 140,000 square meters of brick constructions erected by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century, while the Alhambra in...
Synagoge
105 m
Kerk van Bourtange
123 m
Hervormde kerk
6 km
Vestingmolen Bourtange
172 m
Neuheeder Moor
3.5 km
Bourtangersluis
2.3 km
Wollinghuizersluis
2.8 km
Jipsinghuizersluis
4.2 km
Weenderstraat 19, Sellingen
4.1 km
Betonnen balkbrug
5.4 km
Gereformeerde kerk, orgel
4.4 km
Weenderstraat 47, Weende
4.3 km
Weenderstraat 53, Weende
4.3 km
Marktplein
80 m
De Staakenborgh
2.1 km
Marktplein 7, Bourtange
101 m
Plaquette voor Ella en Mozes Braaf
442 m
Marktplein 5, Bourtange
102 m
Redoute Bakoven
975 m
Weenderstraat 46, Weende
4.2 km
Majoorslogement
58 m
Marktplein 13, Bourtange
59 m
Kapiteinslogement
48 m
Vestinggracht
141 m
J. Buiskoolweg
4.8 km
Baracquen Batterijenstraat
139 m
De Linie, voorwerk vesting
1.5 km
Joods Monument
116 m
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Great for a day immersed in the history of Bourtange.
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