# Biljoen Castle

- **Country:** the Netherlands
- **Coordinates:** 51.996667, 5.992500
- **Location Text:** Rheden, Gelderland

Castle Biljoen is a historic 16th-century fortress located in Rheden, the Netherlands, situated between the Veluwe forest region and the IJssel river near the village of Velp. Originally established as a large farm known as Broekerhof and first mentioned in 1076, the site was transformed into a castle in 1530 by Charles, Duke of Guelders. The structure was built primarily of brick and later underwent significant reconstruction in the 18th century under Alexander van Spaen, who redesigned it into its current form featuring four equal corner towers. This architectural evolution reflects a blend of medieval origins and later noble residential styles, resulting in the stately home visible today.

The castle holds considerable historical significance due to its long lineage of ownership and its role during times of conflict. After passing through the hands of the Van Lennep family, it was acquired by the baronial Van Spaen family in 1661. During the French occupation in 1795, troops were quartered within its walls, leading to plundering and extensive damage to the interior upon their departure. Subsequent restoration efforts reintroduced ornamental plasterwork and ceiling paintings to revive its grandeur. Notably, the estate briefly hosted Anna Pavlovna of Russia in 1849 before remaining with the Lüps family from 1872 until 2008.

Currently, Castle Biljoen is in good condition and is recognized as a Rijksmonument, denoting its status as a national heritage site in the Netherlands. Although it is not open to the general public, the property remains an important example of Dutch noble architecture. In July 2008, part of the castle's historic inventory was auctioned at Christie's in Amsterdam, marking a new chapter in its stewardship. Today, it stands as a preserved testament to centuries of regional history, military use, and aristocratic life in Gelderland.

![Photo of Biljoen Castle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/30/Biljoen_DSCF0010.JPG)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biljoen_Castle (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)