Nederland - Kasteel Wittem

The history of Kasteel Wittem (Wittem Castle) is dating back to the early 12ht century, when it was mentioned as Witheim (meaning “house near the oak”). In those days it was probably just a simple tower house. The next century the castle was owned by the knights of Julémont. They started to call themselves Lords of Wittem; a title that was assumed by later owners.

In the early 15th century the castle was considerably enlarged until it consisted of a powerful stronghold with seven towers and two moats spanned by bridges. In 1520 Emperor Charles V elevated Wittem to a barony, after he spent the night there on the way to his coronation in Aachen.

At the beginning of the Eighty Years’ War Kasteel Wittem was confiscated by the Spanish under the Duke of Alva. His troops were expelled in 1568 by the troops of “Willem van Oranje. In 1569 the Spanish returned and destroyed the castle. After it was restored and enlarged in 1611, the ownership transferred to the Counts of Waldeck Pyrmont.

In 1714 Count Ferdinand von Plettenberg became the last noble owner of the castle, which already was in a dilapidated state. In 1794, after the French Revolution, the ruinous castle was taken from the count and sold to Simon Merckenbach. His family restored the castle to its present state and made it habitable again. The present building forms just a small part of the medieval castle. It consists of a round corner tower with two wings

In 1958 Kasteel Wittem was bought, refurbished and a hotel-restaurant was established. It became a couple of owners, but nowadays it still is a hotel.