Poelwijk Castle

Poelwijk Castle is a historic estate and former fortress situated south of the town of Gendt within the municipality of Lingewaard in the Dutch province of Gelderland. While the main structure has largely vanished, a residential tower dating back to the 15th century remains standing as a designated national monument. This tower, likely constructed after the original main castle had already disappeared, represents the primary surviving architectural element of the site. The surrounding moat and canal constructions are also largely still present, preserving the traditional layout of the grounds despite centuries of change.

The property holds significant historical value, with its earliest recorded mention occurring in 1441 when it was classified as a Gelders fief owned by the Collart family. Major renovations took place during the second half of the 16th century, and maps from 1620 depict a house featuring two corner towers. A notable artistic feature includes Trompe-l'oeil paintings commissioned by Johan Maurits upon inheriting the estate in 1702. Over time, the site underwent substantial alterations; specifically, the construction of a farm in 1864 required the demolition of parts of the castle, leaving only the residential tower. Following damage from storms and war, the tower was restored in 1959 by the Friends of the Geldersche Kasteelen Foundation after excavations revealed foundations of the original structures.

Currently, the tower is owned by Het Geldersch Landschap, while the broader house has been in the possession of the Meijaard family since 1981. Although the estate is generally private and not open to the public, visitors can access the grounds during specific annual events such as the Open Garden Days and Open Monument Days. These occasions provide a rare opportunity to view the preserved tower and the historic landscape that has evolved from a medieval fief into a modern private residence.