Culture & History in Naarden

Step through the gate of the fortified town of Naaden with this exciting in-app audio tour! You will explore the magnificent star-shaped fortress starting from the Utrechtse Poort, the only gates remaining from the 17th century. Having crossed the crane bridge, you will see the Ravelin Oranje-Promers and learn about the town's fortification system, designed to protect against invasions and attacks throughout the centuries. Following the route, you'll see the Bastion Oranje, one of the six bastions of Naarden, and listen to its rich history. However, this stronghold is not just about defensive walls, bastions, and moats, and you'll see it yourself once you pass by three ancient linden trees planted in 1750. As we venture deeper into the town, you will marvel at Holland's Renaissance building of the Town Hall and the striking Gothic Great Church. Then, back to the military context: explore the Arsenal and more ravelins and bastions. The tour guides you by the town museums: the Comenius Museum, dedicated to the famous Czech priest and philosopher, the fun and educational Scales Museum, and the Dutch Fortress Museum, where the turbulent military past of the fortified town comes to life. As the tour concludes, you'll see the barracks that housed dormitories for 350 men and imagine how the warriors used to live here since the end of the 19th century. Spend a great day out in the Naarden Fortress and dive into the story behind its mighty fortifications!