Doorwerth Castle

Doorwerth Castle is a medieval fortress situated on the Rhine River near Arnhem in the Netherlands. Originally constructed from wood and first documented in 1260, the castle was rebuilt in stone following its destruction during a siege. The structure evolved significantly over centuries, with major expansions occurring during the 14th and 15th centuries under various lords of the Van Dorenweerd family. By the middle of the 16th century, under Daem Schellart van Obbendorf, the castle had largely achieved its present form, featuring brick construction and surrounding defensive structures. A protective dike was added around 1637 to shield the castle from Rhine flooding.

The castle's ownership changed hands multiple times due to financial difficulties, eventually passing to English proprietors by the late 18th century. A significant restoration occurred in 1837 under baron JAP. van Brakell, followed by another comprehensive rehabilitation beginning in 1910 under retired artillery officer Frederic Adolph Hoefer. The castle subsequently served as a Dutch Artillery Museum from 1913 onward. World War II inflicted substantial damage through German destruction and Allied shelling, necessitating an extensive restoration that continued until 1983. Today, Doorwerth Castle remains in good condition and is open to the public as a museum, maintained by the Friends of the Castles of Gelderland foundation.