Rechteren Castle

Dutch castle

South of Dalfsen in the province of Overijssel, The Netherlands lapped by the water of a former part of the river the Overijsselse Vecht is situated the beautiful castle of Rechteren. Its almost 30 m high tower rises high above the surrounding trees of the park. This tower is the oldest part of the castle. The other buildings however are standing on ancient foundations which partly date from the 17th century or later. The oldest parts of the castle are build about 1320 bij members of the De Voorst family who dedicated the buildings to the Bishop of Utrecht. This Bishop was in these times a ruler also in the province of Overijssel.

Powerful noblemen

From the De Voorst family the castle came in the hands of the Heeckeren family which altered its name in that of Rechteren. The castle is still in the hands of this family although the family name sometimes undergone some alterations.
Members of this family became powerful noblemen in this part of the country. They occupied influential positions.

Spanish War

The castle played a role in the long war (80 years) against Spain in the 17th/18th century. The castle was demolished by troops of the Orangists with the exception of the tower. After that time the castle became a country house.
The castle has a very fine interior and has been furnished nicely. It is still inhabited and therefore not open to the public.

More information

Castles Main Page
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