Weerdesteyn, Medieval castle complex in Langbroek, Netherlands
Weerdesteyn is a castle estate near Wijk bij Duurstede featuring a medieval residential tower at its heart surrounded by multiple moats. A gatehouse sits on an artificial embankment and serves as the entry point to this fortified complex.
The estate first appeared in written records in 1333 and gained prominence in 1538 when the Grauwert-Egmond family established it as a knighthood seat. This connection to the nobility shaped its importance in the region's social structure.
The estate has remained in the hands of just four Catholic families throughout its history, preserving its character and physical form across generations.
The estate can be reached via the straight road called Weerdesteijnselaan, which runs south of the Langbroekerwetering and provides direct access. The grounds are largely surrounded by water, so sturdy footwear is advisable when exploring the perimeter.
The grounds feature a distinctive system of rectangular plots interwoven with waterways that were established between 1516 and 1538. This characteristic pattern reveals how the land was deliberately shaped to serve both practical and defensive purposes.
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