Jomoud's Fotothing

My 2008 trip to Holland

VIANEN
Castle Batenstein.

THIS IS ALL THAT REMAINS OF THE GREAT BATENSTEIN CASTLE.
THE GATE AND A FEW REMAINING WALLS.
The previous drawing will show what it once looked like.

Batestein Castle was built in the 14th century bij Gijsbrecht Van Beusichem, Lord of Vianen. It was built in a corner of the town of Vianen, within the city walls. The large square keep was built around 1370 from the ransom received for the French Count de Saint-Pol who had been held hostage at Castle Batestein. In 1414 the castle passed to Walraven I van Brederode through marriage.
Under Hendrick van Brederode (1531-1568) the castle experienced its golden age, even coins were minted at the castle.
In 1650 the castle underwent a renovation to a more comfortable and modern residence.
In 1696 fireworks started a large fire, which destroyed a large part of the castle. Due to financial problems Batestein Castle was never rebuilt. In 1725 the remains of the castle were sold to the States of Holland and West-Friesland by Lord Simon Hendrik Adolf von der Lippe. Currently the only thing left of the castle are part of the decorative gate, called the Hofpoort (Hof Gate), and some connecting wall parts, and a decorative water pump that stood on it’s grounds.