Fort Bourtange is a star-shaped fort in the village of Bourtange, in the province of Groningen, the Netherlands.
Fort Bourtange it was built under the orders of William the Silent and completed in 1593. Its original purpose was to control the only road between Germany and the city of Groningen, which was controlled by the Spanish during the Eighty Years’ War.
The fort’s star shape reflects a popular architectural idea at the time. In its center there was a garrison and, apparently, administrative and residential buildings. By type, the building belongs to the bastions. The bastion fortification system is a system of fortifications that replaced the medieval fortification. The bastion system is an earthen rampart (curtain) with bastions and ravelins, often supplemented by a moat (with water or dry). When viewed from above, the bastion system has a star-like shape.
After experiencing its final battle in 1672, the Fort continued to serve in the defensive network of the German border until it was finally abandoned in 1851 and turned into a village. Fort Bourtange currently serves as a historical museum , There are also several cozy shops and restaurants in Bourtange ,you can also stay asleep, there are six lodgings with a box bed and six lodgings with a normal bed. Spectacular events are regularly organized!, And every Sunday afternoon in the summer season, from April to October, a cannon is fired.
Access : Coordinates: 53.006, 7.192 / Fort Bourtange located in the village of Bourtange, Groningen, Netherlands.
Highlights :
- After this fortress became a village in 1851, living conditions here began to decline. More than 100 years later, in 1960, the local government decided to prevent this decline by restoring the old fortress to its original appearance from 1740–50 and turning it into a museum.
- opening hours : 09:15-17.00, Sa-Su 10:00-17:00. / Activities : Canoeing through the canals, fortress games such as the Battle of Bourtange or boxing and archery.
- Top sights in Fort Bourtange : The picturesque market square / Windmill at Bourtange / The former synagogue (now a museum)The Bourtange Synagogue is the only well-preserved synagogue along the Dutch-German border. / Centre of the village.
Go next : Ter Apel Monastery ( Klooster Ter Apel) ,a former monastery in the village of Ter Apel / The village of Sellingen.
