Alas, Montfoort Castle doesn't look like the drawing above, made by R. Roghman around 1647, anymore. Of the castle itself only a very small remnant remains and of the bailey only the entrance gate and part of the curtain wall with a tower.

Montfoort Castle was founded in the 12th century by the bishop of Utrecht; Godfried van Rhenen, to protect his bishopric against the County of Holland. Looking at 16th and 17th century drawings we see that the castle had an irregular oval shape. The name of the town in the 12th century was Mons Fortis which meant Strong Mountain. This probably refers to the artificial hill on which the castle was built.

In 1672, however, the castle was completely destroyed by the French invading army. Of the castle itself only a small fragment of wall remains. The present remains of the bailey don't date further back than the 15th century.

The buildings on the bailey were, in the early part of the 20th century, used as a girl reform school. There's now a nice restaurant.

Location and contact information

At Kasteelplein in Montfoort.
Freely accessible.

Montfoort Castle Links

• Kasteel Montfoort - The official website of the castle
• Absolute Facts
• Mathieu in Wonderland

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