Castle De Haar, Netherlands: photo, how to get

In the heart of modern Holland, a magical corner of the Middle Ages, which rose several times from the ashes, rested comfortably. One of the most luxurious architectural masterpieces of Europe is just half an hour's drive from Amsterdam, in the province of Utrecht. The De Haar castle, which survived wars and natural disasters, acquired a modern look in the late nineteenth century.

Castle De Haar - Neo-Gothic masterpiece

The first mention of the fortress, surrounded by a moat with water, refer to the XIV century, when its owners were representatives of the noble family De Haar, who increased the territory occupied by the defensive structure. Since the last owner did not have children, the powerful citadel soon passes into the hands of the aristocratic family of Van Zeilen, whose heirs still own the most beautiful castle.

In the XV century, the fortress was destroyed and burned during military operations, and two centuries later the castle suffered damage to the strongest tornado, which damaged buildings in the town of Utrecht, located in the province of the same name. Replaced by a host of hosts, De Haar castle is gradually declining and is one of the ruins. At the end of the XIX century, the owner of the ruins successfully marries a representative of the Rothschild dynasty, who invests a fortune in the restoration of the patrimonial nest, which lasts about 20 years. A delightful Neo-Gothic masterpiece, serving as a summer residence, was equipped with modern technical innovations. So the dream of the heir of the ruined race about the re-creation of the former greatness came true.

Presented a second life

All that can be seen now is the work of the famous architect P. Kuipers, who restored many of the historical monuments of Holland. He gave a second life to the old building, which became the most luxurious in the country. Despite the fact that the exterior of the castle De Haar (Netherlands) looks like a medieval landmark, inside it is a beautifully equipped house, suitable for housing. The architect with the help of multi-colored brick smoothed the difference between new walls and old, carefully restored the hanging bridges, numerous towers and even unique sculptures, and soon there is a real work of architectural art in the Neo-Gothic style.

Luxury interior decoration

Striking not only the appearance of the beautiful structure, but also the magnificence of the interior decoration in the spirit of the Middle Ages. Koipers, who restored the beautiful castle De Haar, was engaged in the restoration of interiors. He decorated all the halls in the estate, but the owner did not trust him to decorate the bedroom, considering that the gloomy style is unacceptable here, and ordered the sets in an English firm.

In the mansion everything was thought out to the smallest detail, from the luxury of bedrooms and halls to the design of furniture and utensils that were created exclusively for the castle. Even the royal family lived much more modestly than the owners of the estate. It is striking that the architect, who stepped in step with progress, thought over the system of electricity and steam heating, as well as in a building with a centuries-old history and now there are elevators.

Garden and park area

An integral part of the architectural ensemble is a colorful garden and a wonderful park, broken around the castle. To have a beautiful green zone, occupying more than 135 acres of land, had to sacrifice the village, which was owned by the family: it was moved several hundred meters further, and the residents built new houses, where they entered at the end of the XIX century. Adult shrubs and trees from different parts of the country were brought into the territory. Works in the "small Versailles", designed in the classical English style, were conducted both day and night.

In the amazing flower garden, hanging bridges over figured ponds are constructed, winding paths for walks are laid. In wartime, the park and the rose garden were abandoned, vegetables were grown in the garden, and rare tree species were used as firewood. And only in the 50s of last century the green oasis was restored in its original form and decorated with its romantic pavilions.

The park zone of the castle consists of three parts:

• Picturesque gardens in the Baroque style;
• Nordepark (northern park);
• South park (south park).

Annual Festival

Every year, in a country estate, there is the largest in Europe fantastic show Elf Fantasy Fair, which gathers more than 25 thousand people. The ancient castle De Haar, where the atmosphere of antiquity is felt, comes to life: the swords are ringing, the beautiful ladies are walking along the well-groomed paths, brave merchants offer their products, colorful and cheerful performances are arranged in the show booths.

Manor open to visitors 11 months

For a long time, the monument under the care of a special fund was not available for tourists. And only after the Second World War, the owners of the magic corner of the Middle Ages opened a spectacular park for visitors, and 17 years ago and the De Haar castle, whose photo delighted all connoisseurs of beauty, accepted the first visitors. The hosts set a strict condition that has been strictly observed for many years: in September, the owners leave the villa in France and arrange receptions in a luxurious atmosphere, inviting aristocrats to join the celebration. At this time, the architectural complex for public visits is closed.

Once upon a time in the mansion there were famous personalities: singer Maria Callas, actors Roger Moore, Gregory Peck, Brigitte Bardot.

Ancient castle De Haar: how to get there?

You can get to the main sight of the country from Amsterdam by train. The desired station is called Utrecht Centraal Station. Then you need to change to the bus number 127, leaving once per hour, and get off at the Kasteel (Brink) stop, from which the path to the castle takes 15 minutes on foot.

Tourists who purchased tickets for the tour, will reach the estate by transfer bus.

The family castle De Haar, which can only be reached with a guide, is open every day and is waiting for guests from 11.00 to 17.00, and the park is open until 18.00. The cost of adult tickets is 14 euros, and children under four are free. Tourists need to know that photos inside the castle are strictly prohibited.