Travel tips: Zeist and 17th century Castle

The history of Zeist Castle is more interesting than the castle itself, which looks like an English royal residence Estate Manor, placed in a coty rather than the countryside.  Naturally, in covid lockdown though it is not open for interior viewing, weddings or receptions, so one must make do walking its perimeter of beautiful water and gardens.  It currently hosts a statue exhibition and although the castle is closed you can walk up to its main door and to the right, through the mini outdoor theatre. 

Once a Roman ruin, bought for 2000 euro in 1677, a Prince’s grandson took 8 years to rebuild using a Leidse and French architect. Design lent heavily on Venetian’s Palladio style, hence the exact symmetry and balance all round. After his death, the castle was bought and sold by rich aristocrats, barons and baronesses until around 1907. In WW2 German negligence led to a fire in the left wing and after liberation the theatre was built for entertaining the Canadian troops who had also used the castle for rehabilitating the wounded. The above entrance is the Zeist city side. 

The castle front and right wing with theatre

                The royal entrance park side 

            One of the many statues on the grounds

Walking into the tiny village/city is worth doing as there are a few architectural beauties along the way.  Just follow the canal straight up away from the castle.

 

        Some lovely residences in small begijnhofjes 

Once a church this is now the Municipality House. 

Of course all cafes were closed but there is a certain royal ambience along this lane of rich estates and monumental buildings, even when not a buzz with visitors. 

Walking back to the castle along the canal at the end on the right, there is an open garden/cemetery with a history and tradition every easter which is called a ceremony of raising the dead. Must be interesting to see!