Cranendonck Castle, Medieval castle foundations in Soerendonk, Netherlands.
Cranendonck Castle is a castle site with artificial outlines marking the original medieval structure from the 13th century, displayed in the landscape near a 19th-century villa. The area reveals the spatial layout of the former building through ground markings.
The original castle was destroyed by French forces in 1673 during the Franco-Dutch War. Its foundations lay hidden until 1996, when archaeological excavations uncovered them.
The name comes from local features: 'kraan' refers to crane birds and 'donk' means elevated ground in marshy areas. This naming reflects the landscape that surrounds the location.
The site functions today as a wedding venue and sits along popular walking and cycling routes. Visitors should check access conditions, as event usage may restrict public entry at times.
The foundations were made visible in 2008 after archaeologists mapped the castle's layout. These ground markings let visitors today understand the shape and size of the destroyed structure.
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