Fort de Roovere

Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands

Fort De Roovere was part of the West Brabant Dutch Water Line. It is an earthen fort that goes through a wall (the Ligneweg) and is connected to Fort Pinssen. The fort is open from the ‘back’, and the ‘front’ consists of two bastions. The fort has a dry moat and the banks are overgrown with trees. In 1747, during the Austrian War of Succession (1740–1748) the fort was under siege by the French. This siege has been extensively documented. Eventually, the fortress Bergen op Zoom fell and the siege was abandoned.

Over the years, the de Roovere fort has fallen into major disrepair. It has only recently been restored through contributions. In addition, a bridge was built to access the fort across its moat. The designers felt it would be inappropriate to build a bridge over the moat, so instead, they decided to construct a partially submerged bridge, rendering it practically invisible. The bridge has taken on the name 'The Moses Bridge,' as it appears to have divided the moat's waters. This design allows people to cross virtually undetected at water level: only a few bobbing heads are usually visible. Its construction is entirely of wood waterproofed with foil.

A foundation has been established, Friends of Fort de Roovere, whose goal is to make sure the fort is not forgotten. In the middle of 2010, extensive renovation of the fort began with the removal of the undergrowth and a deepening of the old moat so that the fort could be more easily recognizable as such. The clearing of the area led to many local protests. Remarkably, very little to no interest was paid toarcheological research as there should be traces of the French siege nearby. Local amateurs with metal detectors still regularly findcannonballs there, which must have come from the siege.

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Founded: 1628
Category: Castles and fortifications in Netherlands

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

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4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Diма (4 months ago)
A nice quiet place
B Dalela (17 months ago)
Remains of a former fort if you can call it that. It's just modern buildings with old trenches than have now been filled. There's an old cannon that you can take photos around and Moses bridge but overall fairly pleasant area for a short visit. They have a cafe/ subfloor l souvenir shop with nice smoothies and outdoor seating. Plenty of hiking trails in the area, but there are no trash cans or water fountains so bring your own water or snack if going out on the trail. And be prepared to carry your trash with you. Plenty of car and bike parking in the area, all free.
Namratha Aroor (2 years ago)
Fort de Roovere near Bergen op Zoom is one of the largest forts of the West Brabant waterline.Very scenic place which protected the land. There is a tower where you can get a complete view of the surrounding. The whole place takes around 2-3 hours to see rest and eat. Entry is free
Chaithanya Chandran (2 years ago)
This was a sudden spot we added in our itinerary but it did not disappoint at all. A very calm, serene place. Ideal for picnics, cycling,short trekking. The Fort is a small passage between the lake.Its a nice spot
Eli Bolyarska (2 years ago)
Nice peaceful site for a refreshing walk in the nature.
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