Radboud Castle is like something out of a fairy tale book, surrounded by a magnificent moat and greenery as far as the eye can see. It is located on the eastern side of the harbor in the picturesque town of Medemblik in the Dutch province of North Holland. The castle was once part of a chain of five fortified castles built by the Dutch Count Floris V of Holland from 1268 onwards to secure his territory against the West Frisians. Radboud Castle is the only remaining castle in this chain, which was probably named after the Frisian king Radbod. During the Eighty Years’ War, the castle was besieged in 1572 and 1588. At the end of the 16th century, the castle lost its defensive function due to the construction of the city wall and fell into disrepair, with part of the castle even being demolished. In 1889, the castle became the property of the state, which had it renovated by J. van Lokhorst and P.H.J. Cuypers. From 1897 to 1934, the castle hall housed the district court of Medemblik. During World War II, it served as a hiding place for Rembrandt’s most famous painting, “The Night Watch.” Between 1964 and 1965, the castle was restored and a museum was opened, which still offers insights into the lives of people in the Middle Ages. The castle, of which two residential wings and the square round tower are still preserved today, currently also houses a wonderful castle café with a terrace that invites visitors to linger. Radboud Castle, which has never been home to a noble family and has served as a prison, church, and shelter for the militia, is a true witness to history, allowing me to take a wonderful journey back in time to a bygone era.
