Den Burch, Castle and municipal monument in Rijswijk, Netherlands.
Den Burch is a castle featuring a U-shaped building structure surrounded by an English landscape garden designed before 1800 by architect Zocher Sr. The grounds display mature trees and garden areas typical of wealthy estates from that period.
The estate was purchased in 1788 by Rotterdam wine merchant Petrus Mattheus van der Kun, who transformed it into a grand mansion. Maps from 1580 document an earlier brick keep encircled by a moat, and remnants of that original structure remain visible today.
The estate serves as a youth center run by Salesian priests, giving it a community purpose today. Visitors can observe how historical rooms have been adapted for contemporary social activities.
The castle is located near The Hague in Rijswijk and accessible for visitors interested in historical monuments in the region. The grounds with gardens and building structure allow you to experience Dutch architecture and landscape design firsthand.
The property was confiscated after World War II and has served a youth organization since 1951, transforming it into an unexpected venue for community work. This repurposing shows how historical buildings can completely change their function and occupants.
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