Kasteel Cronesteyn, Medieval castle ruins in Leiden, Netherlands.
Kasteel Cronesteyn is a castle location in Leiden where the moat remains visible within the public park bearing its name. The waterway and surrounding green areas form the recognizable trace of what was once a fortified structure on this site.
The fortification was built around 1300 and passed through several owners and name changes until its demolition in 1787. The castle lost its military importance over time, leading to its final dismantling by owner Hendrik Kromhout.
The castle grounds played a role during the 1574 siege of Leiden when Spanish forces used nearby fortifications to control the city.
The site is located within the Cronesteyn park and is easily accessible via forest paths that wind through the recreational area. Visitors should wear suitable footwear, especially after wet weather when the paths can become muddy.
The original name was Heer Wouterswerf, and the later name Cronesteyn came from the van Cronenburgh family who lived there. The moat that remains today is wider and deeper than most people expect when they first arrive at the park.
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