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Muiderslot Castle: One Of The Netherlands’s Oldest And Best-Preserved Castles

One of the Netherlands‘ most picturesque medieval castles is The Muiderslot. The castle has a lengthy and fascinating history. It is now a national museum that welcomes visitors to explore its magnificent interiors and its collection of weapons and armor. So, come with us as we explore Amsterdam’s medieval marvel, Muiderslot Castle.

1. Muiderslot Castle: Find Amsterdam’s Medieval Wonder

Muiderslot-Castle-Muiden-Amsterdam
Muiderslot-Castle-Muiden-Amsterdam

Despite being only 15 kilometers from Amsterdam, Muiderslot Castle feels a world away from the city’s bustle. One of the oldest and most storied castles in the Netherlands, this charming medieval masterpiece dates back to the 13th century.

Muiderslot Castle is a must-see destination for anybody searching for a distinctive and interesting day out close to Amsterdam because of its Middle Age architecture, stunning gardens, pastoral location, and fascinating historical displays. It is now a national museum open to the public.

Travel back to this stunning example of Dutch architecture to escape the present and experience life in the 15th through 18th centuries. So, we listed what to anticipate from Muiderslot Castle below.

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2. History of Muiderslot Castle

The Muiderslot National Museum in Muiden is the most well-known medieval castle in Holland. Count Floris V constructed this fort near the mouth of the River Vecht sometime around 1280. Bishop Willem van Mechelen promptly destroyed the castle in 1296. On top of the ancient castle’s ruins was a new one constructed in 1380. Approximately 600 years later, the castle is still in immaculate condition. Besides, thousands of curious people come here every year to fantasize about living the life of a knight or damsel for a day.

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3. What you can see outside Muiderslot Castle

The gardens

Gardens-Muiderslot-Castle-Muiden-Amsterdam
Gardens-Muiderslot-Castle-Muiden-Amsterdam

Muiderslot Castle is no exception; no fairytale castle would be complete without some enchanting, meticulously maintained gardens to complete the look. Before entering the castle, you might first want to stroll through the lovely 17th-century green spaces, vegetable and herb gardens, and the serene plum orchard that P.C. Hooft created. Additionally, a tunnel constructed of beech trees resembles a pretty magical passageway that would have been a better entrance to Narnia than a wardrobe is present.

The vegetable garden is also divided into four sections. Including a section for cabbage, carrots, green vegetables, and various vegetables, beans, and legumes. The best medicines, fabrics, and flavor enhancers of the early 17th century were also produced in the herb garden.

With authentic heirloom vegetables and the same herbs and plants that were part of the diet in the 17th century. The gardens are now maintained just as they would have been then.

The pond

The massive defensive moat surrounding the castle is one of the first things you’ll notice about it. You wouldn’t go to the trouble of constructing a lovely fantasy castle just for some nefarious invaders to show up and steal all your priceless treasures. As a result, if any would-be castle raiders arrived, the drawbridge would be raised. Besides, anyone who ignored the warning would be subject to archers practicing their targets along the castle walls.

Sadly, there were no crocodiles or piranhas in the moat. Swimming in it was probably not a common invasion strategy, considering that the castle’s long-drop toilets were placed right into the outer walls and were made so that everything would fall directly into the pool below.

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The water barrier

water-barrier
water-barrier

The moat was a fairly minor component of Muiderslot Castle’s watertight defenses. The castle also served as one of the Netherlands’ water-based defense lines’ release points. By strategically flooding Holland and Zeeland, this defense system essentially surrounded the Netherlands with a moat to prevent attack from abroad.

In a classic display of deft Dutch engineering, just enough flood water was released to block enemy horses from passing through while leaving no room for their boats to sail. That qualifies as pretty damn smart.

You can learn more about how the protective water line functions at the castle’s special Water Shield pavilion at the back of the castle. Additionally, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2021.

4. Throughout Muiderslot castle

The outside area

courtyard-Castle-Muiden
courtyard-Castle-Muiden

Cross the aging stone bridge quickly, then enter the main castle gates to find yourself in a vast open courtyard. Nothing compares to entering a 700-year-old castle’s walls, where you are immediately encircled by tall towers, commanding battlements, and tiny window openings large enough for a longbow to fit through. This will undoubtedly leave you in awe if you enjoy fantasy movies and television series with medieval themes.

The chic decoration

inside-Castle-Muiden
inside-Castle-Muiden

Although Muiderslot Castle’s outer face is undoubtedly medieval, the interior design is unmistakably more early 17th century. People also restored each chamber in the castle painstakingly to its opulence in the 17th century. It is complete with exquisite antique furnishings that highlight the extraordinary degree of skill and workmanship of the time.

Besides, you’ll find elegantly detailed hand-carved oak furniture, extravagant chandeliers, and brooding oil paintings of gloomy nobles. You are indeed wandering about in a museum if that makes any sense. You should not miss The Prince’s Chamber and Knight’s Hall because they are both imposing.

The building

Muiderslot-Castle-Muiden-Amsterdam
Muiderslot-Castle-Muiden-Amsterdam

The tallest tower has 83 hard steps to the summit, but the breathtaking views of the picturesque Dutch countryside and the up-close look at the castle’s historic defense turrets make an effort worthwhile. In any event, if you’ve spent any time in the Netherlands, navigating confined staircases like this will come naturally to you!

5. How to travel from Amsterdam to Muiderslot Castle

By car

Taking Exit 3 for Muiden/Weesp on the A1 Motorway will take you there in just 20 minutes by automobile.

By public transport

Take the train from Amsterdam to Weesp via the public transportation system. Take bus 110 to Muiden Centrum from Weesp. You can reach the castle on foot in just 10 minutes from Muiden Centrum train station. Take the tourist boat from Amsterdam Ijburg to Muiderslot Castle as an additional mode of transportation (the ferry does not run on Mondays).

By bicycle

Cycling from Amsterdam to Muiderslot is also a perfectly viable option if you’re in the mood for exercise. The trip from central Amsterdam will take you around an hour, but it’s the most picturesque and typically Dutch way to get there because there are bike lanes the entire way!

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Anna
Annahttps://my-lifestyle.co/
If you want to travel the world through blogs then my articles will satisfy you. With a never-ending journey, I'll take you to the best cities and exciting experiences!
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