Duivelshuis, Tower house in central Arnhem, Netherlands
The Duivelshuis is a tower house from the Renaissance period in central Arnhem, distinguished by three stone satyrs carved into its facade. These unusual figures define the building's appearance and make it instantly recognizable among the historic structures in the old town.
Duke Charles of Gelre acquired the property in 1518 and transformed a simple farmstead into a princely residence. The building later became the office of Arnhem's mayors and played a central role in the city's administration.
The four keystones embedded in the outer wall represent the historical capitals of the duchy, each bearing distinct emblems. These symbolic stones tell of the power and territorial reach of the rulers who once governed these lands.
Visitors can explore the building and surrounding areas on their own, using a smartphone to solve riddles and discover the history of the place. The experience takes about two hours and can be done at your own pace.
The Renaissance gable added during renovations by Maarten van Rossem represents one of the earliest examples of this architectural style in the Netherlands. This feature shows how quickly new artistic movements from Italy found their way into Northern European cities.
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