Moermond Castle

Moermond Castle, locally known as Slot Moermond, lies in the village of Renesse, in the province of Zeeland in the Netherlands.

The present castle is actually the 3rd castle at this site. The 1st castle was built somewhere between 1229 and 1244 by Costijn van Zierikzee. It was situated just east of the present moat. It was besieged for several months in 1297 which left it completely destroyed.

The 2nd castle was built around 1330 by Aernoud van Haamstede. Sometime during the end of the 15th century this castle also disappeared for reasons yet unknown. That castle was situated on the same moated islet of the present castle. The oldest core of the present castle probably served as its gate building. Wall parts of this 2nd castle are still visible in the garden of the present castle.

The present Moermond Castle was built in 1513 by Jacob van Tuyll, Lord of Serooskerke, Welland and Moermond, by rebuilding and enlarging the old gate building. During the next centuries Moermond Castle passed through the hands of several owners by sale. They all added or changed some parts.

As a result of the North Sea Flood of 1953 the castle stood in 2 m of water for several months which caused a lot of damage. Between 1957 and 1960 the castle was archaeologically excavated and restored. After that it was never used for private habitation again. In 1962 the castle became an Outward Bound School until they moved out in 1994. It then became a conference center until the beginning of this century when it was turned into a hotel and reception venue.

At present Moermond Castle is a hotel and can of course be visited as guest. A nice little castle.

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