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Nederland - Medemblik, Kasteel Radboud

Kasteel Radboud (Radboud Castle) - also knwon as Kasteel Medemblik - is located between the harbour of Medemblik and the IJsselmeer. At the end of the 13th century, Count Floris V of Holland ordered the construction of a series of castles to control the Westfrisian population. Radboud Castle is the only one remaining of those castles. When exactly it was built is unknown, but the castle was completed before the so called St. Lucia's Flood in December 1287.

From old pictures and archeological research it is known that Radboud Castle must have been a strong castle. Nowadays only two residential wings, two square and one round tower are still standing.

In the 14th and 15th century the counts of Holland installed guardians at the castle. Radboud Castle has never been connected to nobility but has been primarily used as a prison. The people of Medemblik used it also as a refuge. The defensive function of the castle was reduced with the building of walls around the city of Medemblik at the end of the 16th century and due to both dismantling and lack of maintenance there was attrition of the castle buildings.

From 1848 the demolition of the castle buildings started. In 1889 the remains of the castle were transferred to the state and a thorough restoration followed. From 1897 till 1934 the castle was used as a courthouse. From 1964 to 1965 further restorations were done with a more historical and architectural correctness and some of the previous renovations were removed

The name Radboud has been derived from the popular assumption that the castle was built on the place where in the 8th century a castle from the Frisian king Radboud had been standing.
Nowadays Kasteel Radboud houses a museum, while on the ground flore there is a café/restaurant.
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87 comments

J. Gafarot said:

Wonderful pictures of this very ancient fortress.
It seems very well preserved and your pictures of it are excellent.
As usual, thank you for your comprehensive note.
4 years ago

Erika Akire said:

...very impresssive...HFF, Jaap...
4 years ago ( translate )

Schussentäler said:

ein wunderschönes Wasserschloss
4 years ago ( translate )

by the way said:

Sehr schöne Aufnahme!
4 years ago ( translate )

Beatrice Degan(MARS) said:

Splendid series of images Jaap with such interesting historical notes !
HFF and have a lovely weekend !
4 years ago

Richard Nuttall said:

Brilliant shot of a most interesting subject
4 years ago

Ànn-Piaframie said:

Jolie balade ( découverte )pour ce vendredi matin
Bonne fin de semaine Jaap
4 years ago ( translate )

Annemarie said:

wonderful photo Jaap. HFF
Happy weekend:)
4 years ago ( translate )

Rosalyn Hilborne said:

Three beautiful shots Jaap. A superb blue sky!!!
HFF and good weekend.
4 years ago

Pat Del said:

Magnifique ce site ! Bon week-end, Jaap !
4 years ago ( translate )

Valeriane ♫ ♫ ♫¨* said:

un lieu magnifique avec ce château*******************
bonne fin de semaine Jaap !
4 years ago ( translate )

Jean said:

An amazing building to have survived so long and to look so beautiful. Thank you for the history.
4 years ago

Madeleine Defawes said:

Very beautiful image in the blue sky !
Have a nice weekend
4 years ago ( translate )

Hansruedi Voegele said:

Sehr schöne Aufnahmen jaap.
4 years ago ( translate )

Max Wenger said:

Sehr schöner Ort welcher Ruhe und Frieden ausstrahlt. Schönes Wochenende
4 years ago ( translate )