Relive Hoensbroek Castle! A visit is a real experience for young and old. In this huge castle, adventures from distant pasts come to life. Discover the beautiful ballroom. Climb the Medieval tower. Shiver in the ancient dungeon. Follow the route in the castle brochure or follow an exciting castle treasure hunt.
Hoensbroek Castle has existed for seven centuries. It was used for all kinds of purposes; a defensive castle and residence were the two most important. These purposes can be seen in the museum, the current function of the building. During your visit, discover everything about the architecture and the various inhabitants: knights, graves and marquesses.
The most beautiful and impressive part of the collection is of course the castle itself. But all objects in the castle are also of great value. From the inventory lists in the counts archive we know which objects were in the castle, especially in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. With these lists, an attempt has been made to furnish the castle like it used to be.
About 1000 years ago, the rich and powerful rulers in the Netherlands started to strengthen their houses to protect themselves from the enemy. These fortified houses were the first castles. Almost all Dutch castles were made of wood. None of these are left. Wood decays faster, can easily be set on fire and rots. Which is why from about 1250, more and more castles were made out of stone. During restoration work at Hoensbroek Castle, foundations of five clearly distinguishable structures and construction periods of the castle were found. You’ll discover more about this during your visit.
Save for a few periods, Hoensbroek Castle was inhabited for seven centuries. The bloodline runs from the Medieval knights, counts and lords up to the Marquis of Hoensbroek. Not every portrait has been preserved. Also, not everyone played a prominent role in history. Nevertheless, all residents together form a colorful lineage of noble ladies and gentlemen. The men held high political positions, married in their own circle and gained both land and titles.
The Netherlands and Flanders are home to some beautiful castles and country houses; many of them open to the public. Castles appeal to the imagination. You can experience and almost feel the history of many centuries. Sixteen of the most visited castle museums in the Netherlands and Flanders work together under the name Topkastelen, including Hoensbroek Castle.