MUIDERSLOT . Muiden, Netherlands . 7" x 7" x 3.75"tall
MUIDERSLOT . Muiden, Netherlands . 7" x 7" x 3.75"tall
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The Muiderslot is one of the best
preserved and most famous castles in the Netherlands. (Slot is the
dutch word for castle). It is located near the city of Muiden in
North Holland, where the river Vecht flows into the IJmeer. This
makes it a well-placed castle because it sits at the entrance to the harbor.
Thus it controlled all boats coming in and out.
The original castle was built around 1280 by Count Floris V of Holland. After his death, the castle was besieged and almost destroyed. The current castle dates to 1369 - 1387, and was built on the original foundations. It is a turreted, fairy-tale sort of castle. The floor plan is almost a square with round towers on the four corners. The west tower is the highest tower. It is surrounded by a splendid moat. After serving as a state prison in the late 18th century, the castle decayed to the point of demolition until it was saved by King Willem I, and restored in the past century. Today is is a national museum. |
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