Schanstoren van Arcen, Medieval defense tower in Arcen, Netherlands
Schanstoren van Arcen is a square stone tower that was part of the city's former fortifications and sits near the Maas River. The structure has survived to the present day and shows the solid construction of defense towers from that period.
The tower was built in the early 1400s to protect the city and was part of a larger defensive system. During a siege in 1635, the structure suffered heavy damage but survived and was later restored.
The tower shows how people protected their city along the Maas River and what materials and methods they used to build. Its preserved walls reveal the practical way medieval fortifications were constructed.
The tower is located near the center of Arcen and is easy to reach and view from the outside. Visitors should note that this is a historic monument and the structure is viewed from the exterior.
The original mortar from the 15th century used in construction is still visible and intact in some areas of the tower. This original building material allows visitors to see genuine traces of medieval craftwork techniques.
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