The star-shaped Fort Bourtange, designed in the late 1500s, represents the pinnacle of military defense systems of its time. Star forts, which originated in Italy in the 15th century, were created with five sides to give defenders a complete panoramic view of approaching enemies. This innovative design allowed for improved protection against attacks. And it also was used extensively in Italian warfare before spreading to other regions.
In 1593, the Bourtange star fort was constructed in the Groningen region of the Netherlands. It showcased the diffusion of this highly effective military architecture. Its geometric precision and strategic advantages made it a crucial defense structure in the late 16th century.
Fort Bourtange, remains a remarkably preserved relic of military history. Its 11-acre pentagonal design features historic churches, cobblestone streets, wooden windmills, marvelous bridges, and old military barracks, giving visitors a glimpse into its past.
Built in 1593 by William the Silent during the Eighty Years’ War, the fort was strategically surrounded by a marshy moat, bolstered by robust defenses to hold off Spanish forces. Decades later, in 1672, Bourtange’s natural defenses proved crucial once again. When the German army of the Prince-Bishopric of Münster was unable to breach the fort, hampered by the impassable swamp. The fort’s innovative design and natural surroundings made it a formidable stronghold. Today it stands as a testament to its historical significance.
Fort Bourtange thrived as a military fortress for years, but its defensive swamp eventually dried up due to agricultural practices. In 1851, the fort transitioned into a residential town, enjoying nearly a century of peaceful existence. However, by the 1950s and ’60s, the town faced economic challenges. Leading the local government to declare Bourtange an open-air historical museum in 1960.
Today, the fort is a preserved historical site with museums and exhibits that tell its storied past. Among these is a 19th-century synagogue, once the place of worship for the town’s Jewish community before the Nazi occupation. The fort also hosts historical reenactments, including the annual recreation of the Battle of Bourtange each June. It’s the largest reenactment in the Netherlands. Visitors can explore exhibits of medieval torture devices, such as the infamous Wooden Horse, used to punish prisoners by strapping weights to their feet while they sat on the wooden structure.
Today, Bourtange stands as one of the Netherlands’ most captivating and unique historical sites. This star-shaped fort, surrounded by a moat, offers visitors the rare experience of walking atop a perfectly preserved defensive structure from the 16th century. With its cobblestone streets, picturesque bridges, and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, Bourtange remains a living testament to the ingenuity of star fort design and Dutch history.
