Top 11 Castles in Zeeland

De Campveerse Toren in Veere is an imposing, historic building right on the water, with a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. From here you have a beautiful view over the Veerse Meer and the harbor, while the atmospheric streets of Veere are just around the corner.

Like Refugium Ten Duinen, this was a refuge for Cistercian monks who reclaimed the area around Hulst in the late Middle Ages. It is one of the oldest buildings in Hulst and used to be part of the Baudeloo complex, which also included a large garden. Over the centuries, the building has also served as a governor's residence, hospital and boarding school. The Zeeland Music School is now located here. The building has a particularly characteristic tower: a pagadder tower. In that tower, small men sat on the lookout. They warned shipowners when their ship was approaching. The term pagadder is derived from the Spanish 'pagare' (to pay). This either has to do with the fact that the men were paid per ship they saw, or it is a reference to their small stature. If you were too small to become a soldier in the Spanish army, you became a 'pajadore' (paymaster). Incidentally, in Antwerp a small man is still called a 'nen pagadder'.

Slot Oostende or Slot Ostende is a former castle in Goes. The castle was located between Sint Adriaanstraat, Wijngaardstraat, Oostendestraat and Singelstraat in the centre of Goes. An old hall of the castle is part of the current Singelstraat 5, a national monument. A former tower is also included in the current buildings. In 2009, the municipality decided to expose more remains of the castle. In the meantime, test excavations have been carried out in which unknown elements of the castle have been exposed, such as a previously unknown round tower. In 2015 it was announced that a restaurant, hotel and brewery will be established around the remains of Slot Oostende. The first castle buildings date from the twelfth century by the lords Van Schengen. Later, the castle was taken over by the Van Borssele family. The original name was Torenburg, the name Slot Ostende dates from the sixteenth century, when Jan van Oostende, lord of Ostend, owned the castle.

Moermond Castle is a moated castle in the Dutch town of Renesse, which is currently used for private gatherings such as meetings, weddings, parties and business meetings.

Slot Moermond, a medieval castle in Renesse on the Dutch island of Schouwen-Duiveland, was first built around 1229 by Costijn van Zierikzee. Over the course of its long history, the castle has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. The current building dates largely from 1513, when Jacob van Tuyll rebuilt it with the help of his wife Adriana van Wissekerke, incorporating parts of the old gatehouse, which dates back to the 14th century. The castle is surrounded by a wide driveway and a moat, which underlines its historic charm. It is located in the middle of the 45-hectare Moermond estate, which also serves as a nature reserve. Over the centuries, Slot Moermond has undergone several reconstructions, including extensions in the 17th century, when it received a stair tower, among other things. During World War II it served as a residence, but was badly damaged by the devastating flood of 1953. After extensive restorations in the 1950s, the castle regained its splendor and is now used for private events and as a wedding venue. The castle and the surrounding estate are not only an architectural gem, but also offer an idyllic setting for nature and history lovers. Although the castle is not open for regular tours, visitors can explore the grounds and take a look inside on special occasions. It is a living example of the region's eventful history and the importance of historical buildings in the province of Zeeland.

The park contains several bunkers from the Second World War, still largely intact. Large steel plates have been placed on the bunkers, with inspiring lines of poetry by Henri Looymans. A treasure hunt for children is recommended, where they have to find letters in the poems. These letters together form a word. There are also all kinds of playground equipment, such as slides and a zip line.

In the late 15th century to the mid-16th century, Veere was an important, wealthy port city. In the center, beautiful patrician houses, an imposing town hall, and a colossal cathedral recall this golden age. Today, watersports and tourism define life around the old brick defense tower, Campveerseer Toren. A lavish feast. Long tables in the elegant fireplace room, with a dual view of the Veerse Meer. Majestic ships sail by. This is how it must have been on June 21, 1575. Back then, the French Princess Charlotte de Bourbon and Prince Willem of Orange, the later King of the Netherlands, celebrated their wedding here. Today, the restaurant Campveerseer Toren looks almost the same. The truly royal hall is located in a fortress over 500 years old, and from some rooms of the Romantikhotel as well as from the restaurant, you have an unobstructed view of the inland waters. The walls already served as a city inn in 1440. And after the royal dignitaries in the 16th century, many other celebrities followed – Prince Rainier of Monaco and his Grace Patricia dined here, for example, on June 30, 1958. Source: https://boardingcompleted.me/2021/03/18/veere-in-zeeland-stadt-mit-reicher-historie/

Lovely place to linger. Enjoy the passage of day-trippers. People watching... It doesn't need to be more.