100 years of the de-fortification of Naarden (1926)

In 2026, it will be exactly 100 years since the fortress of Naarden was relieved of its military function. A fortress of extraordinary importance. Naarden is perhaps the most beautiful fortified city in the Netherlands. It was a close call, though. Thanks to the efforts of heritage protectors from organizations such as Bond Heemschut and the Menno van Coehoorn Foundation, the fortress was largely preserved. Even today, Naarden needs heritage protectors to guarantee its unique historical character. A brochure by Heemschut tells the story of the de-fortification of Naarden, the moments when the fortress heritage narrowly escaped destruction, and what you can do yourself to protect and strengthen Naarden's heritage.

The brochure tells the story of Naarden's metamorphosis. Over the course of the twentieth century, Naarden transformed from a dilapidated and impoverished fortress into a prosperous heritage town. However, this appreciation did not come about automatically. Shortly after the de-fortification, plans circulated to fill in the moats and demolish the ramparts. Fortunately, the Heritage Protectors of Heemschut and the Menno van Coehoorn Foundation kept a watchful eye and managed to prevent serious damage. In the decades that followed, too, it was often passionate individuals who ensured that the fortress was preserved. Anyone looking at Naarden's past century sees: 100 years out of use, 100 years of struggle for preservation. 

Source: Heemschut.nl

Naarden is one of the best-preserved fortified towns in Europe and is particularly famous for its distinctive and well-preserved star shape. The fortress features six bastions, a double rampart, and a double moat system. The fortifications are ideal for walking. Boat tours around the fortifications are also available. The extensive fortress, designed by Adriaen Anthonisz and of which large parts dating from the 17th century are still present, is largely freely accessible.

The fortress is part of the New Dutch Waterline and also houses the Netherlands Fortress Museum in the Turfpoort bastion. Here, visitors can see what a fortress looked like during its use and view the collection of artifacts dating from 1350 to 1945. During the frequent activities in the museum, both indoors and outdoors, visitors can also experience life inside a fortress. The Waterline Trail runs around the fortress, making the scale of the fortifications clearly visible. The fortress also hosts the biennial national Naarden Photo Festival. The entire fortress was owned by the State until January 15, 2016; following the discontinuation of its military function, parts of it were successively transferred from the Ministry of Defence to the portfolio of the Government Buildings Agency (Rijksgebouwendienst), and subsequently transferred by the Government Buildings Agency to the National Monuments Organisation (Nationale Monumentenorganisatie) on January 15, 2016. The fortress is a protected cityscape.

<strong> More info: </strong>

Heemschut: https://www.heemschut.nl/

Dutch Fortress Museum: https://www.vestingmuseum.nl/

Menno van Coehoorn Foundation: https://coehoorn.nl/

Supplement to this blog by Freestampagazine:

Naarden and Comenius

Naarden is inextricably linked to the Czech scholar Jan Amos Comenius (1592–1670), one of the most important pedagogues and thinkers of the 17th century. Comenius was not only a philosopher and theologian, but is primarily remembered as an innovator of education. His ideas about education for all and learning by observation were very progressive for his time.

After a life as a religious refugee, Comenius came to Amsterdam in 1656, where he spent the last fourteen years of his life. He died on November 15, 1670, and was buried a few days later in the Walloon Church in Naarden. His relationship with the Amsterdam merchant family De Geer, who supported him financially, likely played a role in his choice of Naarden.

The tomb fell into oblivion over the centuries but was rediscovered in the 19th century. Research in 1929 confirmed that the remains found were indeed those of Comenius. At the initiative of Czechoslovakia, the former Walloon church was subsequently converted into a mausoleum. The Comenius Mausoleum was officially opened on May 8, 1937. Czech artists designed the remarkable interior, which includes glass panels and woodcarvings depicting the life and philosophy of Comenius.

The Comenius Museum is located next to the mausoleum. As a result, Naarden has grown into an important place for the remembrance of Comenius and his significance for European education and thought. Comenius Day is held there annually, during which his grave is commemorated, among other things.