Nederhemert Castle, Nederhemert, Netherlands

Nederhemert Castle has been built, rebuilt and expanded numerous times throughout its turbulent history. It started life as a keep in the 13th century and was expanded into a polygonal castle with four towers over several centuries. In 1945, the castle was destroyed by fire and fell into ruin. It was restored to its former glory in 2005.

Nederhemert castle is situated on an ancient bend in the river Maas. As with many castles, the date when the castle was first built is unknown, yet Johan van Hemert is named as owner of this ‘stronghold at Hemert’ in 1310. The oldest parts of the castle date from the end of the 13th century: a two-storey keep and a cellar with notable Bohemian-style vaulting. Some 30 years later, the keep was expanded with the addition of two corner towers - one rectangular, one round - with a walled courtyard in between. A great hall and gateway were added around 1350, and a hexagonal tower was added in the 15th century. These additions transformed Nederhemert into an imposing castle.

The castle remained as it was for several centuries until it was renovated into a comfortable country house at the end of the 19th century. The castle was plastered and given crenellations, a veranda and a balcony in neo-Gothic style. Over its 650-year history, Nederhemert was home to many noble families. It even boasted a bed said to have belonged to Maarten van Rossum, the Duke of Guelders’ most notorious field marshal. At the end of WWII, the castle and its contents were completely destroyed by fire.

The last owners sold what was left of the castle and its surrounding parkland to the Dutch state, which transferred the estate, in turn, to the Geldersch Landschap and Geldersche Kasteelen national heritage foundations. There was a lack of funding for the restoration for some time and the castle fell into ruin. Restoration work finally took place between 2001 and 2005, returning Nederhemert, as much as possible, to its medieval glory. The castle now houses offices and is only open to the public in a limited capacity.

References:

Exciting History

User Reviews

Bert Roozeboom (4 years ago)
Beautiful castle, rented to a company. Therefore not viewable.

Peter Kock (4 years ago)
Beautiful piece of nature. Castle not to be visited.

Barend Ippel (4 years ago)
Beautiful castle, around it is a nice short walking route through the woods. There is also the possibility to walk a clog path. However, this does start on the other side of the river.

Rob Tweehuijzen (4 years ago)
Nederhemert Castle is located on an island in a bend of the Maas. Founded around 1300 as a fortified residential tower, Donjon. In the centuries after many additions and rebuilds. After a partial destruction by the people of Bossen in 1497. In 1944/45 almost completely destroyed and burned down by acts of war. The Germans were said to be in the castle. Perhaps that is why one of the small roads that run around the castle is called "het Moffendijkje"? Saved from demolition as a ruin, and rebuilt. Opened in 2005. By HRH Beatrix. Unfortunately, it is not freely accessible, as it houses a company. Which, however, is even better. Is the surrounding landscape. Rarely been anywhere, where such one; I would almost say "Un-Dutch" peace prevails. Peace, quiet, birds. Beautiful views, on a beautiful river landscape. And a very small ferry complete the picture

Janny Damen (4 years ago)
Beautiful picturesque village and historic environment where time stands still. Perfect for a quiet walk during the week. Busier on Sunday... A restaurant with playground available. Best parking outside the village...

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright discopalace

Historic Site of the week

Sigmaringen Castle

Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.

The castle remains that have been preserved (gate, great hall and keep) date back to the Staufer period around 1200. The castle remains were integrated into subsequent buildings. The foundations of the castle buildings are to a large extent identical to the surrounding castle wall.

These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.

Nederhemert Castle

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Sigmaringen Castle