Muiderslot (Muiden castle)

Muiderslot
The Muiderslot is a restored  castle in Muiden, located at the mouth of the river Vecht, where it flows into what used to be the Zuiderzee. It’s one of the better known castles in the Netherlands and has been featured in many films and TV shows set in the Middle Ages. It has round towers on all corners, a step-gabled keep and a functioning moat and drawbridge. There is also a restored kitchen garden and herb garden.

History
Its history begins with Count Floris V, who either built or bought a stone castle at the mouth of the river in 1280. There was (and still is) a harbour nearby; by spanning the Vecht with a chain, Floris could levy a toll on all passing ships. Floris was killed in 1296, and the year after the castle was seized by the Archbishop of Utrecht, to be razed to the ground in 1300. It was rebuilt between 1370-1386 by Albert I, the Duke of Bavaria, who was Count of Holland and Zeeland at the time.
Famous Dutch author, poet and historian P.C. Hooft took over the sheriff and bailiff duties for the area (Het Gooiland). For 39 years he spent his summers in the castle and invited friends, scholars, poets and painters such as Vondel, Huygens, Bredero and Maria Tesselschade Visscher, over for visits. This group became known as the Muiderkring (Muiden circle). He also extended the garden and the plum orchard, while at the same time an outer earthworks defense system was put into place.
By the end of the 18th century the castle was first used as a prison, then abandoned and left to become derelict. It was offered for sale in 1825; another 70 years went by until enough money was gathered to restore the castle to its former glory.

Visit the Muiderslot
The Muiderslot is currently a National Museum. Its rooms and kitchens have been restored to look like they did in the 17th century. Several of the rooms house a good collection of arms and armour.
A visit to the Muiderslot can be easily combined with a day aboard the Catharina van Mijdrecht. We will be happy to organise it for you.

Check the Muiderlslot website for more information.