Foto: The entrance to the Bourtange fortress (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Netherlands - The Terra Mora museum explains why William of Orange, in his fight against the Spaniards, ordered the construction of Bourtange. The marshy area east of Groningen formed a natural defense for the city. Whoever controlled the paths—called the "Tanges"—through the swamp controlled the area. With a fortress, one could cut off supplies to Groningen, which was still in Spanish hands. After the Eighty Years’ War, Bourtange withstood attacks during the First Münster War. In 1672, the Prussians tried to attack the fortress from the east. This attack was also repelled. Due to newer military techniques, the fortress fell into disrepair. The surrounding marsh also dried up, allowing easy passage around the fortress. Bourtange lost its military status in 1851. The buildings were used as residences. Canals were filled in and ramparts leveled. In the 1960s, it was decided to restore the fortress to its original state. The result is a beautiful fortress that shows how the land was once protected here. I walk among the fortress buildings. I climb the fortress rampart. I see the fortress behind me and the canal in front of me. The Protestant church towers above the fortress. On the rampart stands a replica of the fortress windmill.
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