Gelderse Toren, Medieval defensive tower in Spankeren, Netherlands
The Gelderse Tower is a medieval defensive structure in Spankeren with gray plastered walls and neogothic design elements added during its 1868 renovation. The building sits along the banks of the Gelderse IJssel River and is now maintained as a protected heritage site.
The tower's foundations date back to the 13th century, with the earliest written records mentioning it appearing in 1535 documents. During the 19th century, the building underwent significant renovation that gave it its current appearance with neogothic features.
The tower is part of an estate that includes historic gardens and oak-lined walking paths laid out around the main building. These grounds show how landowners once arranged their properties to combine beauty with function.
The estate is located along the Gelderse IJssel and can best be explored on foot or by bicycle using local paths. The terrain is flat and easy to walk through, making it accessible for most visitors.
Between 1844 and 1846, the property's water features were redesigned and an island was created that can be reached by a small bridge. These artificial waterways remain a notable feature of the landscape today.
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