Waardenburg Castle, Medieval fortress in Waardenburg, Netherlands.
Waardenburg Castle is a fortified medieval complex in Neerijnen, in the Dutch river area, made up of a hall, a round tower, and a square tower. The whole ensemble sits within a moat that separates the buildings from the surrounding river landscape.
In 1265, Count Otto II of Gelre gave permission to knight Rudolph de Cock to build the first wooden stronghold on this site. In 1574, Louis of Nassau attacked and heavily damaged the complex because its owner at the time sided with Spanish forces during the Dutch Revolt.
The name Waardenburg points to an old fortified place, and the buildings still reflect the construction style of the 14th century. Visitors passing by can see the towers and walls rising above the flat landscape along the Waal river.
The complex is used as office space and is not open to the public on a regular basis. Access is possible only during heritage open days, so checking ahead before planning a trip there is a good idea.
The stone buildings standing today were built in 1355, replacing a wooden structure that had stood on the same spot for about 90 years. This switch from wood to stone happened at a time when the site was growing in strategic importance along the river.
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