A new era for Kasteel Slangenburg!
Monumentenbezit works to make this unique top-100 monument accessible. Slangenburg Castle in Doetinchem has been vacant since Aug. 1, 2023.
Mark van den Bos, director/director of Monumentenbezit
Start with careful research
In the fall, Monumentenbezit will continue to work on plans for the restoration and opening of the castle. Mark: "As owner, we are currently opting, with respect to the main house, to first pause and start with careful research. This includes research into the building and architectural historical components, the technical quality of the interior and the possibilities for future use. Although much has already been written about the history of the complex, we are holding it up to the light once again. We are taking our time for this, because the information from all the research will determine what can be done with the castle."
Activities
The entire process will take some time. The necessary architectural and restorative work on the main house is expected to take several years.
Nevertheless, Monumentenbezit wants to open the building and grounds to the public before then. It is looking at possible activities that could take place, in a limited form, such as Open Monument Day.
Open in 2024
Furthermore, work is in progress to make Slangenburg Castle partially accessible to the public in 2024. In the meantime, the special rooms - in the coach houses - will be occupied. Mark: "The plan is for us to open to the public in the spring of 2024. Then everyone will be welcome again at this special location. Just a little more patience, then... We will be considering with which parties we will do that in the coming period.
About the monument
The monument is beautifully situated in the green countryside of Doetinchem, away from the hustle and bustle. Since the fourteenth century, several lords of the Van Baer family have inhabited and rebuilt the castle. The castle offers tranquility and inspiration in an art-historically rich environment.
Inside the castle you will find extraordinary paintings by painter Gerard Hoet. He applied much of the allegorical and mythological wall and ceiling paintings, including a room with scenes from Vergil's Aeneas and Dido.