# Bleijenbeek Castle

- **Country:** the Netherlands
- **Location Text:** Bleijenbeek, Limburg

Bleijenbeek Castle is a historic brick fortress located in the small hamlet of Bleijenbeek within the Dutch province of Limburg. Originally constructed around the year 1300, the castle served as a significant military installation for centuries. Its strategic importance is highlighted by a turbulent history involving numerous sieges by the armies of Guelders and Spain during the late 16th century. Notable events include a brave defense by Lord Marten Schenk against Guelders forces in 1580 and a subsequent conquest in 1589 after Schenk changed political allegiances. These conflicts established the site as a focal point of regional military power struggles during the era.

The structure suffered its final and most devastating blow during World War II. In February 1945, as part of Operation Veritable, the British Royal Air Force bombed the castle over two days to dislodge fifteen German paratroopers who had mounted a fierce resistance. The defenders held out against multiple assaults before the building was struck by nine large bombs, reducing it to ruins. Inside, liberators discovered the slogan "Sieg oder Sibirien," reflecting the determined mindset of the occupying forces. Since that bombardment, the castle has remained in a ruined state, serving as a stark reminder of the violence that engulfed the region during the war's final months.

In recent years, efforts have been made to preserve this historical landmark. The property was purchased in 2009 by the Bleijenbeek Foundation, which launched a restoration project in 2012. The foundation aims to stabilize the remaining structures, restore the moat and surrounding gardens, and eventually provide public access to the site. Although currently closed to visitors, the ongoing work seeks to transform the ruins from a war-damaged relic into a preserved cultural heritage site for future generations.

![Photo of Bleijenbeek Castle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5f/Bleijenbeek-Afferden_%282%29.JPG)

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