Henkenshage Castle, Sint-Oedenrode, Netherlands

Henkenshage may look like a medieval castle but it is not. Although it was built during the 14th century under the name Hanekenshage it was just a simple building. During the 15th century it was also known under the name Strijpe or Streepen.

In 1748 Henkenshage Castle was sold to Willem, Baron of Haren. In 1801 it was fitted as a convent for Augustinian nuns.

Around 1850 the castle was bought by Pieter J. de Girard de Mielet van Coehoorn. At that time the castle was still a simple manor with no storeys. He had the castle rebuilt by the famous Dutch architect PJH. Cuypers, who also rebuilt De Haar Castle and built the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Cuypers built the two towers, added a storey, replaced the main entrance to the house from the south to the north side and built the gate building.

In 1940 Henkenshage came into possession of the local government. During WW II it was used as a distribution office and during the liberation in 1944 it was the headquarters of the 101st Airborne Division.

At present the castle is used by a catering company and can not be visited. So, although Henkenshage Castle is not a real medieval castle I think it has a lot of atmosphere.

References:

castles.nl

Castles and fortifications in Netherlands

Church of St Donatus

The Church of St Donatus name refers to Donatus of Zadar, who began construction on this church in the 9th century and ended it on the northeastern part of the Roman forum. It is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia.

The beginning of the building of the church was placed to the second half of the 8th century, and it is supposed to have been completed in the 9th century. The Zadar bishop and diplomat Donat (8th and 9th centuries) is credited with the building of the church. He led the representations of the Dalmatian cities to Constantinople and Charles the Great, which is why this church bears slight resemblance to Charlemagne's court chapels, especially the one in Aachen, and also to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. It belongs to the Pre-Romanesque architectural period.

The circular church, formerly domed, is 27 m high and is characterised by simplicity and technical primitivism.

Thiago Soares (5 years ago)
A really nice small castle.

S. Bajrami (5 years ago)
Super place so wonderfull

Jan Luijpers (5 years ago)
Last Friday we celebrated a super nice wedding of friends. Also with corona measures, still had a fantastic day. The food was delicious, the service was top notch and the cooperation in terms of organization was very pleasant. Thanks Sjors for the good care!

alireza mohammadkhani (5 years ago)
Beautiful place for a short visit. We didnt use the restaurant though.

Henkenshage Castle

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Church of St Donatus