Here, on this very spot, stood one of the four castles of IJsselmonde.
The castles were built between the 11th and 17th centuries, each at a strategic location by the IJssel River. They played roles in military conflicts and also served as residences for noble families.
The first castle, built in 1072, was a fortified toll station but was destroyed after only four years. The second, from 1483, stood for just six years due to the turmoil of the Hook and Cod wars. The third castle, erected around 1550, was an elegant residence later enhanced with towers, a moat, and an ornamental garden. Influential merchants and administrators lived there.
The fourth castle was built in 1665 and stood for over two centuries until it was demolished in 1900 by its owner, Mr. Bichon. He opposed the municipality’s plans to make the grounds publicly accessible. With its demolition, the last castle of IJsselmonde vanished. Today, only street names like Kasteelweg and old maps hint at this rich past.
Sources. Story: ['Source Story: https://www.geschiedenisvanzuidholland.nl/verhalen/verhalen/de-verdwenen-kastelen-van-ijsselmonde/'] Photos: Source Photo: Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
