In the 19th century a tower was built on the ruins: the octagonal Hunting Lodge. Thanks in part to many volunteers, the castle and castle gardens have been resurrected. The castle gardens are an oasis of peace. Discover the diversity of this French castle garden.
As a visitor, let yourself be surprised by the fascinating past of this region. Descend into the atmospheric eastern cellars from the 14th century, horror in the prison church in the White Tower. Enjoy the view from the castle towers or the castle terrace and discover on foot from Montfort Castle the beautiful estate Rozendaal, Schrevenhof and Reigersbroek. From 2017, a visit to Montfort Castle can also be perfectly combined with a walk through the castle garden, redesigned in classicist style.
750 years in a nutshell
Montfort Castle was built around 1260 by Hendrik van Gelre, prince-bishop of Liège and first lord of Montfort. After his violent death in 1285, the manor of Montfort became part of the county, later the duchy, of Gelre. Under Duke Reinoud II of Gelre (1326-1343) the importance of this castle grew. This made higher demands on the residential function, which led to an extensive renovation in 1342-1343. Until the end of the 15th century Montfort regularly served as a residence of the lord. Furthermore, the drossaard lived here, who, with 27 men, took care of the defense and the administration of the office of Montfort, an administrative district of the Gelre district.
Because of the rise of the canon, Montfort Castle was expanded with fortifications in 1535-1536. Until after the Eighty Years' War it fulfilled a military role. In 1685-1686 the fortifications were demolished and the moats filled in. The remaining buildings remained the official residence of the drossaard, who had a large symmetrical garden complex laid out on the south side of the Huysdijk.
Around 1780 the residential castle was also demolished, after which a ruin remained. Around 1850 a paper manufacturer from Roermond built an octagonal brick country house on the northeast corner. This Jachtslot was restored in 2005-2006. In 2011, a large medieval cellar complex was subsequently discovered, which was restored and made accessible to the public in 2015-2017 by the Stichting Kasteel Montfort.
Location
The lucky spot is located opposite Castle Montfort, Huysdijk 4 Montfort. Parking is available at the castle.
Small fortune in Roerdalen
Every 'Geluksplek' (lucky spot) in Roerdalen is a good starting point to work on your own luck. At every location, the tips for happiness challenge you to get to work in a unique way. A booklet is available with all the Lucky spots, a map and all the background information about them. You can order it from our webshop.
Click here to see all 26 Lucky spots in the municipality of Roerdalen.