Bredevoort welcomes "Fortified Towns" with a sign and launches the "Bredevoort Under Siege" historical walking tour
On Thursday, June 4, the fortified town of Bredevoort will take a significant step toward showcasing its rich history. Ahead of the official opening of the new historical walking tour, “Bredevoort Under Siege,” the “Fortified Towns” signs will be unveiled. This will make the municipality of Aalten’s membership in the Association of Dutch Fortified Towns (VNV) visible in the streetscape as well.
The municipality of Aalten has been a member of the VNV since July 1, 2024. The unveiling of the signs will be performed by Mayor Anton Stapelkamp of the municipality of Aalten and Alderman Schutten of the municipality of Oost Gelre, who is also a board member of the Association of Dutch Fortified Towns. Mayor Stapelkamp: “Key reasons for joining include knowledge sharing with other fortified towns and enhancing the visibility of Bredevoort’s fortification history. The installation of the signs marks this affiliation and immediately shows visitors that Bredevoort is part of the national network of Dutch fortified towns.”
History comes to life on a new walking trail
Following this, the new historical walking route “Bredevoort Belegerd” will be officially opened. This interactive route takes visitors back to the time of the Eighty Years’ War and highlights the role Bredevoort played as a fortified town during a turbulent period in Dutch history.
Along the route, Corten steel silhouettes bring historical events and figures to life. Using a special web application, walkers can view additional stories, images, and background information on their phones as they go. The route passes by remnants of the old fortifications and through the characteristic streets of the fortified town.
Along the way, visitors will meet historical figures from that era, including Gertrud van Myllendonck, the lady of the castle, and discover how sieges, defense, and daily life have shaped the character of Bredevoort.
Bringing the Fortress's History to Life
Through both the installation of the “Fortified Towns” signage and the opening of “Bredevoort Under Siege,” the municipality of Aalten underscores its ambition to make Bredevoort’s unique fortified history more visible and accessible to residents and visitors alike.
The Association of Dutch Fortified Towns, together with its members, is committed to the preservation, promotion, and accessibility of Dutch fortified heritage. Through collaboration and the exchange of knowledge, the affiliated fortified towns work to strengthen the positioning of their historical identity and tourist appeal.