Castle Eys, former castle in Eys, the Netherlands
Castle Eys is a medieval motte-and-bailey fortification in Gulpen-Wittem in the Netherlands, consisting of a raised earthen mound separated from higher ground by a ditch and topped with the remains of a stone wall. The small plateau on the summit once held a modest tower or residential structure that served as a stronghold for local nobility.
Castle Eys originated in the 12th century as a simple wooden or stone fortification built on raised ground for strategic defense. A destruction event in 1369 marked a significant change, after which a smaller abschnittsmotte fortress was established to serve defensive and administrative purposes in the region.
The castle takes its name from the village where it stands and remains a landmark that defines the area's identity. Local residents view the site as an important connection to their regional past and include it in stories about how their community developed.
The site is easily accessible for walking around the hill and viewing the remains from multiple angles. Comfortable shoes are recommended as the terrain can be uneven, and bringing a camera is useful for capturing views of the surrounding countryside from the hilltop.
The mound was not built by piling up earth but was carved out of higher ground through ditch-digging, making it an abschnittsmotte, a rare variant of medieval fortification. This construction method shows how early builders chose efficient approaches, cutting into natural terrain rather than building up massive mounds.
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