The Muiderslot, is a medieval castle located in Muiden, about 15 kilometers southeast of Amsterdam at the mouth of the river Vecht. It represents one of the most famous castles in the country and has been a film set for many television shows set in the Middle Ages.
Muiderslot is now a national museum where the interiors, rooms and kitchens have been restored to their original 17th century appearance. Many rooms now house a collection of weapons and armor.
Muiderslot History
Muiderslot Castle has been a national museum since 1878. Before then, the castle was in a dilapidated condition and was about to be demolished. Fortunately, this never happened, as King William I was involved in the restoration. In 1878, the castle became one of the first national museums in the Netherlands and was thoroughly renovated by architect Pierre Cuypers, also known for the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and Amsterdam Central Station.
Muiderslot Castle is part of four Dutch water defense lines that were built to defend the nation from its enemies. By flooding pieces of land in a controlled manner, the enemy was kept away much more easily. The castle is part of the Utrechtse Waterlinie, Oude and Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie, and Stelling van Amsterdam. The latter was intended to defend the capital, a solution so clever that it is world famous. Stelling van Amsterdam is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Inside there is a valuable collection of weapons and armor mainly from the Middle Ages and the 17th century, while outside the gardens designed and created in the 17th century are amazing. They served both a decorative and practical purpose, providing fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs for the table.