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Naarden Fortifications

In ancient history the region southeast of Amsterdam was key territory, which is why some of the most famous tourist attractions in the Netherlands are located there today. A major one is Naarden Fortifications, dating back over ten centuries. These fortifications were erected around the town of Naarden, which is 12 miles east of Amsterdam, a magnificent historical monument within easy reach of the busy city. The garrison is the prime feature of the town, being one of the oldest and best-preserved fortifications in the country. The town itself has spread to the south, united in a single district with Bussum. The Naarden-Bussum railway terminal is minutes away from the downtown area of Amsterdam by train. You can also reach the town by bus or bicycle.

The structure is shaped like a star and was built after a terrible battle with Spanish forces in the 1570s, in the wake of which the town was destroyed and its inhabitants killed. However, the heritage of the fortification goes back a long way before that. Naarden was recorded by history as far back as the 9th century AD. It was a small, sparsely populated settlement at the time, which went by the name of Naruthi. It has had a violent history indeed, having been levelled to the ground several times over the ages, but the fact that it was rebuilt every time and flourishes today is testimony to the resilience of its spirit.

In the middle of the 14th century Naarden was the battleground of an internal conflict, which resulted in its devastating ruin. The precursor of the Naarden fortifications came into being around this time - Naarden was reconstructed several miles away from its previous location with a moat and durable walls made of stone.

The Dutch were under Spanish rule during the next few centuries, and movements of freedom fighters began to grow in strength. One such incidence inspired by this tendency was the Dutch Revolt, which occurred during the second half of the 16th century. Spanish forces sacked Naarden, and its disastrous fate was put forth as an example for other towns under Spanish rule with the purpose to dissuade all rebels from acting on their beliefs. The Spaniards destroyed the town and its walls. Naarden came under the rule of the Prince of Orange in 1577. The prince ordered specific fortifications built around it, motivated by its strategic geographic location. The town stood alongside the route to the wealthy district of Holland and the rich city of Amsterdam.

The person commissioned to construct the new modern garrisons was Adriaen Anthonisz, a renowned and admired expert in this field. He was ordered to erect earthen walls with citadels around the town. This process took decades. Sadly, French troops under Louis XIV captured the town before the fortifications were completed. They strengthened the defence structures, adding a moat and erecting posts of resistance all around the town. In 1673 King William of England captured Naarden, and another series of constructions commenced.

After that year the fortifications were reconstructed in line with a new defence standard, known as the New Dutch System. A main wall and additional outer wall were added. The latter was completed in the 18th century.

The French recaptured the town during the Napoleonic Wars. In 1830 new additions were made to the fort. It was reinforced and equipped with modern weapons. The site lost military status in the early 20th century, along with many other fortifications in Holland. A large number of them were destroyed, but Naarden was maintained with the support of a historical heritage foundation.

An important attraction in the area is the Dutch Fortification Museum, formerly an artillery vault. It displays mortars and muskets, appurtenances and historic documents. Naarden offers another significant landmark, the picturesque Great Church with a splendid Gothic façade dating back to the 1400s. It is renowned for its tower, which rises a full 45 metres into the sky.

Naarden fortifications have stood the test of time. Moreover, Naarden is rapidly developing as a town. The site is a remarkable blend of tradition and modernity, courage and humility, past and future.