Fort bij Veldhuis, Military fortification in Uitgeest, Netherlands
Fort de Veldhuis is a military fortification in Uitgeest designed with thick defensive walls, artillery emplacements, and surrounding moats to protect the Amsterdam region. The structure demonstrates the engineering approach used for regional defense during the late 19th century.
The fort was built in 1893 as part of the Stelling van Amsterdam, a defense line constructed between 1881 and 1919 to safeguard the capital. This structure emerged during a period when the Netherlands was modernizing its military infrastructure.
The fort now serves as an Air War Museum, displaying exhibits focused on aerial operations and defense strategies over the Netherlands during World War II. Visitors can explore how the site transitioned from military defense to a space for remembering wartime aviation.
The fort is open on Sundays from May through October between 11:00 and 17:00, with guided tours available to explain the military architecture. Visitors should be prepared for outdoor conditions and wear appropriate clothing depending on the weather.
Ancient willow trees growing around the fort date back to its original construction period and create an unexpected natural integration with the military architecture. These trees have quietly witnessed more than a century of changes at the site.
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