Arsenaal, Monumental building in Woerden, Netherlands
The Arsenaal is an 18th-century military storage building in central Woerden with a square footprint, solid red brick walls, and a distinctive pitched roof fitted with lifting hooks. The interior is divided by a wall into two sections: one for storing weapons and supplies, and another for repair and maintenance work.
The building was completed in 1762 and replaced an earlier warehouse on the same site that served military purposes since 1701. Abandoned after 1970 and extensively restored between 1977 and 1979, it was converted into a hotel and café in 2014.
The Arsenaal was once the center of military activity in Woerden and shaped the town's identity for centuries. Today, visitors can experience how this building connects the past with the present life of the community when they visit.
The building is easily accessible from central Groenendaalsestraat street and you can freely view the facade and characteristic round arched doors from the outside. The surrounding area is filled with older streets and small shops, making for a pleasant walk through the historic town center.
The building features prominent metal lifting hooks on its roof that were originally used to hoist heavy military items like cannons and ammunition. These technical details reveal the practical engineering of the 18th century that was specifically designed to handle massive loads.
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