Kinkelenburg Castle, Bemmel, Netherlands

The earliest mention of Kinkelenburg castle dates from 1403, when Johan van Ambe was lent 'a house and a homestead with waterways and moat at Bemmel'. The castle probably consisted then of a square stone tower-house (built around 1300), the foundations of which lie beneath the present building. Soon afterwards, the status of village castle was changed to the present 'Huis te Bemmel'. Kinkelenburg was converted in the 18th century into a stately manor. During WWII, the municipality commandeered the building as emergency accommodation for the damaged town hall in the Dorpsstraat. Kinkelenburg was the only big building in Bemmel that still had a watertight roof.

After the war, the municipality decided to remain here, but the ruined castle would first have to be restored. Despite its impressive history, the restorers found nothing more of historical interest than a few coins in the attic and a dented tin can in the ditch.

The interior now has beautiful wall panels, acquired for a nominal price from the Huize Heyendaal, Nijmegen, and originating from an Amsterdam canalside house. A ceiling painting by Hubert Estourgie (1924-1982) tells about the origin of the Betuwe region.

References:

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User Reviews

Willie Post sr. (4 years ago)
A beautiful castle for special moments, with an attractive bridge over a beautiful moat and a beautiful room for special meetings.

Anja Zwaan (4 years ago)
Nice place. For us the end of a car castle route. The castle serves as the town hall.

Jos Hendriks (4 years ago)
Nice but relatively small castle with a beautiful walking path behind the castle (Zwitserspad). Didn't see an entrance for someone with a wheelchair.

the Neighbour Photography (5 years ago)
This 13th century castle is used by the municipality of Lingewaard. You can use the wedding hall here, among other things. Furthermore, the castle is not wheelchair friendly. The wedding room is also only accessible via the stairs on the 1st floor. But if you are in the area and have time, I would definitely take a look. What does detract from the castle at the moment are those blue barracks in front of it. Fortunately, it is temporary and they will leave when the restoration of the town hall is finished.

Castle Biker (6 years ago)
Hele mooie en unieke combinatie van een oud kasteel met daaraan vast een nieuw kasteel, eigenlijk totaal niet bij elkaar passend. Maar dat maakt het juist mooi. Je kunt er vrij omheen wandelen, er is geen hek of iets dergelijks.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Infomastern

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Visby Cathedral

Visby Cathedral (also known as St. Mary’s Church) is the only survived medieval church in Visby. It was originally built for German merchants and inaugurated in 1225. Around the year 1350 the church was enlarged and converted into a basilica. The two-storey magazine was also added then above the nave as a warehouse for merchants.

Following the Reformation, the church was transformed into a parish church for the town of Visby. All other churches were abandoned. Shortly after the Reformation, in 1572, Gotland was made into its own Diocese, and the church designated its cathedral.

There is not much left of the original interior. The font is made of local red marble in the 13th century. The pulpit was made in Lübeck in 1684. There are 400 graves under the church floor.

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