The history of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is literally saturated with bright events, bloody wars, the struggle of people with the elements and with each other, tragic events and prosperity, ups and downs. As in other countries of the Old World, the kingdom developed certain historical and cultural traditions, which, in part, found their expression in architecture. The skill of the Dutch architects manifested itself in the construction of the majestic castles of Holland, and today the viewers are stunning with the perfection of forms and quality of execution.
Within the medieval walls
In the Middle Ages, the castles of Europe became the main guarantee of the safety of their inhabitants. The stone impregnable walls saved both from small fraudsters and from unwanted larger guests. The most famous castles in Holland were built in the XIII-XVI centuries, at a time of troubled and anxious times, when robbers from the main road rarely gave more than one guilder for a human life.
Today in the Kingdom of the Netherlands there are about two dozen restored medieval castles, among which the most interesting for tourists are:
- Maiderslot. Located 15 km from the capital of the country. The best-preserved and most restored building of the 13th century at the mouth of the Vecht River served to collect taxes from the owners of boats sailing along the river to Utrecht. With the loss of defensive functions in the 17th century, the castle turned into the residence of an enlightened nobleman and official and a literary salon. Today, a branch of the Amsterdam State Museum is open in this castle in Holland, and its interiors regularly appear on the programs of local TV channels.
- Ridderzaal. Part of the royal residence in The Hague. Built in the 13th century by Count Floris V. Over the years it has served as a hospital and bookstore, office of government services and the residence of important nobles. In modern Riddenzaal, official royal receptions are held, and the current monarch addresses from here with solemn speeches to his subjects.
- Hemstede. An architectural monument of Dutch classicism of the 17th century in the city of the same name in the province of North Holland. It was built as a luxury residence and had beautiful gardens, stables, fountains and pavilions. Repeatedly experienced periods of decline and revival, burned and recovered.
Useful little things
To explore the castles of Holland, it is worth ordering a guided tour. So you can not only admire the magnificent interiors and views of the surrounding area, but also get acquainted with the most interesting from the history of buildings and the Kingdom of the Netherlands itself.
Usually, on the territory of the castles of the Netherlands, a variety of entertainment programs, themed holidays and photo sessions are organized, you can find out about the timing of which on the official pages of the country's Ministry of Culture.
