The remnants of a medieval castle, Brederode castle that once stood as a stronghold for one of the Netherlands‘ most influential families still stand today. Known as the “Ruins of Brederode,” this historic site is located in the small village of Santpoort-Zuid, about 30 minutes from Amsterdam. The castle has a turbulent history, having once been the proud residence of the prestigious House of Brederode. This noble lineage traced its roots back to the Lords of Teylingen, who were direct descendants of the Counts of Holland.
Brederode Castle was originally built around 1285 by Willem van Brederode, starting as a single tower. By 1300, it had been expanded into a square-shaped fortress. Over the years, the castle endured multiple battles, suffering destruction and reconstruction between 1350 and 1426. However, during the Siege of Haarlem in 1573, amid the Eighty Years’ War, the castle was ultimately devastated, leaving behind the ruins that still stand today.
Although the Brederode family no longer resided in the castle, their influence remained strong. However, in 1679, the family’s legacy came to an end when Johan Wolfert, the 18th Lord of Brederode, passed away without an heir. With no successors, and as the remaining family members left Holland during the Protestant Reformation, the Dutch government seized their estates, including the castle.
In the 19th century, Brederode Castle made history as the first national monument in the Netherlands to undergo state-led restoration.
Today, the castle’s ruins offer a tranquil and scenic setting, a stark contrast to the turbulent history they once witnessed.
