Netherlands
Loevestein Castle
From tollhouse to political prison to museum, this medieval water castle has a long and captivating history.
About
Built in the heart of the Netherlands at the confluence of the Waal and Maas rivers, Castle Loevestein first built to collect tolls from passing trading ships. During the 16th century, stone bastions, two moats, and a barracks were added, transforming the simple structure into a large fortress. In the 17th century, the castle was used as a prison for political dissidents. Today visitors can walk the castle grounds, admiring both the keep, the outbuildings, and the tranquil waterways. In the castle museum, visitors can learn about the important eras in the castleâs history, and its most famous political prisoners, such as Hugo de Groot, who escaped through a book chest to become Swedish Ambassador to France. For those looking to delve even deeper into the castleâs history, a guided tour goes into even more detail.
Practical
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