Kasteel Staverden, Medieval château complex in Ermelo, Netherlands
Kasteel Staverden is a castle in Ermelo set within a large estate that includes parks, a watermill, farms, and forests and features Renaissance architecture combined with Art Nouveau interior details. The main building and surrounding structures form a cohesive complex spread across the expansive grounds.
In 1291, Emperor Reinald van Gelre granted city rights to the estate, though the surrounding settlement never grew into a full town. This privilege reflects the location's importance in the region at that time.
The estate has maintained a centuries-old practice of keeping white peacocks whose feathers are presented annually to the King's Commissioner as a ceremonial tradition. This distinctive custom remains visible to visitors during their time here.
Visitors can explore the watermill and walk the park paths to discover the grounds at their own pace. The castle houses a brasserie serving food Wednesday to Sunday until 18:30, with a visitor center open on weekends.
The grounds contain over forty rare plant species and provide habitat for red deer, wild boars, kingfishers, and barn owls. This diversity makes the location a habitat for several animal species rarely seen together elsewhere.
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