Visit Muiderslot
Description
On Saturday 27 August 2011, our region visited Muiderslot Castle. Upon entering the grounds, visitors to Muiderslot Castle were kept in sight through no fewer than 48 embrasures. From here, people at the castle had complete control over anyone coming to the castle. As a result, the Muiderslot is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the Netherlands.
The Muiderslot was built around 1285 by Count Floris V, after he took control of the area around Muiden. In 1296, he was overpowered by his own nobles during a falconry and abducted to Muiderslot. He stayed here for five days before his captors fled with him from the people coming to his rescue. An encounter took place near Muiderberg and Floris was brutally murdered by the nobles.
View of the castle from the Kruidhof
P.C. Hooft is the most famous resident of Muiderslot. He was appointed drost of Muiden and baljuw of the Gooiland in 1609. In this position, he inhabited the Muiderslot for 38 years. Hooft became best known for his many poems, sonnets, letters and plays, but also focused on political science and history. As an Amsterdam mayor's son, he was used to a multitude of contacts. In distant Muiden, by contrast, he lived in great solitude. In one of his letters, for instance, he sighed: 'One dayh is gelijck den ander'. The company he missed so much was therefore frequently invited to the Muiderslot. With his second wife Heleonora Hellemans by his side, a new light shines on the so called 'Hoge Huys'. Many literary friends and guests visit the Muiderslot, especially in summer. During the 19th-century Romantic period, they will go down in history as the 'Muider Circle'.
This imaginary circle of literary scholars, scientists and artists was formed by, among others, Maria Tesselschade Visscher, her sister Anna Roemer Visscher and Messrs Constantijn Huygens, Casper Barlaeus, Gerard Vossius, Joost van den Vondel, Hugo de Groot, Laurens Reael and Dirck Sweelinck.
At the entrance, please report to our KIVI NIRIA Region Utrecht representation. In addition to a guided walk, there are a number of routes and a garden tour that you can experience for yourself. And for our Region, even the falconer will be present, which is very unique. The day will end in the Taveerne again with a drink.
Muiderslot is less suitable for the disabled and is even wheelchair unfriendly.
If you are in possession of a museum annual card, the association would appreciate it if you bring it with you. The organisation of Muiderslot is very strict.
13:00 Reception with coffee and tea at the Tavern
13:30 Start Excursion
~16:00 Drinks
17:00 End
Location
Organiser
Region Utrecht
Name and contact details for information
Roel Troost