Castle de Haar
Castle de Haar is a masterpiece of medieval architecture in the Netherlands, which is the largest and most luxurious castle in the country. The castle was built in the 14th century and named after the first owner of the stone fortress, Baron Van Zijlen Van Nefelt de Haar. The palace was repeatedly destroyed, it was restored, completed, rebuilt, it is compared to the phoenix bird, which repeatedly rose from the ashes.
Today's architectural structure is the creation of architect Peter Kuipers, who made the dream of the heir to the famous family a reality by restoring his ancestral home. The reconstruction lasted for 20 years, after which the castle appeared in the dizzying splendor of the Neo-Gothic style. Externally, de Haar Castle has retained the appearance of the Middle Ages, and the interior design can be safely called the height of aesthetics. Everything here, from the magnificent halls, servants' quarters, and ending with furniture, dishes, and clothes, was calculated down to the smallest detail. A special tableware design was created. Porcelain sets were imported from Japan and China, and paintings from Flanders.
In total, the castle has about 200 rooms, of which 30 are bathrooms only. The premises are equipped with electricity, elevators, central heating, hot and cold water. Despite all the innovations, coal-fired furnaces have been preserved.
De Haar Castle is surrounded by a small pond, and there is a beautiful park with many gazebos and trees, of which there are more than 7 thousand specimens. They were brought from all over the Netherlands. In order to equip the park area, it was necessary to demolish the village located nearby and build further away. The park is considered an integral part of the architectural ensemble, which is called the "Little Versailles". There is a chapel near the castle.
It is believed that the castle is haunted by the ghost of Knight Conrad, one of the former owners of the palace in the Middle Ages, who tragically drowned near the castle.
Today, anyone can admire the object of the ancestral family with many interesting collections and family coats of arms. Guided tours are conducted daily on the territory. Excursions for children are organized separately. Only once a year in September, when, following tradition, hereditary heirs come to the castle, the palace is closed to visitors.
After visiting the territory of de Haar Castle, you can stroll through the park, have a picnic or a romantic date and fully experience the spirit of the Middle Ages.
