Drakenburg, Utrecht, Tower house at Oudegracht, Utrecht, Netherlands
Drakenburg is a tower house on the Oudegracht canal in Utrecht, built from tuff stone and brick in a sturdy medieval style. The building sits at the intersection of the canal and Drakenburgstraat, where its thick walls and compact form are still clearly visible.
The building was established in the 12th century by the knights of Drakenburg, a family that also owned castles in Baarn and Lage Vuursche. It received official protection as a national monument in 1967 and underwent significant restoration work in the following years.
The name comes from the dragon symbol of its original owners, a detail that has stayed with the building through the centuries. Today the structure stands as a quiet reminder of those medieval connections to local ruling families.
The building is located in central Utrecht right along the Oudegracht canal, making it easy to spot from the waterside. Visitors can view the exterior and its details from the adjacent walkway, which offers clear views of the structure throughout the day.
After a modern apartment building was constructed nearby in 1961, this tower house underwent major restoration work to preserve its medieval features. The restoration effort became a turning point, saving the structure from being overshadowed by new development in the city center.
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