Pettelaarse Schans, 17th century fort in 's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands.
Pettelaarse Schans is a reconstructed fortification with a five-pointed star shape, surrounded by water channels. The structure connects to the city moat through the Pettelaarse Vaartgraaf and reflects the military engineering methods of its time.
The fort was built in 1623 after Maurice of Nassau failed to capture the city. It was demolished in 1672 during the Hollandic War, ending its role as a military defense.
The site is linked to the nearby Pettelaarse Polder, which shaped the local landscape for centuries. Visitors can observe how the fortification related to the surrounding water system and the city's defensive strategy.
The site is accessible through marked walking paths with information panels about the fortification techniques. It sits close to the city center and can be reached easily on foot.
The site became the Netherlands' first military airfield in 1911, where early aviators trained their flying skills. This brief chapter linked the long defensive history to the birth of aviation.
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