Burcht Wachtendonk

The history of Wachtendonk Castle is closely intertwined with the nearby fortified town of Wachtendonk. The castle and the later Ambt Wachtendonk formed the eastern border of the Overkwartier with the Duchy of Cleves. The castle was conquered in 1407 by Charles of Gelre and was a strategic fortress for Gelre in the border conflicts between the dukes of Gelre and Cleves. During the Eighty Years' War the castle remained important from a military point of view and was alternately in the hands of the Spaniards and the State troops. The castle was eventually destroyed in one of these skirmishes, revealing the preserved ruin now.