The Netherlands : Part II
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| Entering The Netherlands! Yes, that's the sign! |
What lies beyond the fog - you ask? Beauty, and a fun day!
A couple of old colleagues from the USA visited Germany a few weeks back, and of course I thought - what better way to catch up with them than to drag them with me to a Schloss..or two ..or a few?
One weekend, I decided to search for something different. Something that had a tour. I have been to so many now - that the ones with tours are becoming sparse. The ones that are left are only viewing the buildings, possibly walking in, and losing yourself in a beautiful Schlosspark. I wanted to go somewhere new, but I also wanted to show my colleague my hobby. It was reporting to be a beautiful, sunny Sunday. I decided to take a good friend of mine into the Netherlands for an adventure. Sadly, it was sunny/w clouds in Germany which quickly turned to fog going North and then going into Netherlands. I was sad, and disappointed, but it started to clear!
First up...Kasteel Doorwerth - http://www.glk.nl/82/locatie/?locatie=9
When I researched - this castle spoke to me. Originally built from wood in 1260, it was burnt to the ground, and was rebuilt in 1280 out of stone. You will see it was sadly many more times burnt down, and re-built. That day offered a special program. A few rooms had period people in them - meaning when you walked in - they talked to you about the time period they were from of course relating to the castle or region.
Some interesting facts...
The previous owners used to stretch a chain across the Rhein river, and demand taxes from the travelers or they could not continue down the river! Later, with the invention of being able to store paint in tubes, this area became very popular to landscape artists. Painters were no longer confined to sketching landscapes, and having go back into their studios and fill in their drawings with hand mixed, fresh paint - they were now free to go anywhere - away from Paris - and paint. Later we learned...the castle was occupied by the SS, and was involved in the Battle of Arnhem. It was destroyed by both sides. The only part standing was the original thick square walls, and later rebuilt.
Some interesting facts...
The previous owners used to stretch a chain across the Rhein river, and demand taxes from the travelers or they could not continue down the river! Later, with the invention of being able to store paint in tubes, this area became very popular to landscape artists. Painters were no longer confined to sketching landscapes, and having go back into their studios and fill in their drawings with hand mixed, fresh paint - they were now free to go anywhere - away from Paris - and paint. Later we learned...the castle was occupied by the SS, and was involved in the Battle of Arnhem. It was destroyed by both sides. The only part standing was the original thick square walls, and later rebuilt.
How interesting!!! It also offered a few rooms with exhibits as well. I rate this castle a 8.5. It's quite nice. Parking was not a problem. The staff were super friendly, and not to mention - into their castle. The program for the day was also great. Please note that this castle offers different exhibits on different days! Be sure to check their website to confirm when things happen. Meanwhile..please enjoy my pictures from that day....and the other Kasteel...
The next Kasteel of the day was...Kasteel Biljoen. It turns out you can't tour it..but it's on your way back into Germany, so why not check it out!?! It's also quite beautiful.
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| This is where the original door to the castle was...please note the thickness of the walls - these were the original. |
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| A toilet!!! |
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| The opening on the bottom right was used by knights to enter the castle by the the river! |
The next Kasteel of the day was...Kasteel Biljoen. It turns out you can't tour it..but it's on your way back into Germany, so why not check it out!?! It's also quite beautiful.
This day trip was great. It's turned out beautiful, and was also a learning experience.
Another recommendation for sure! =)
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