Gate To The Past - Day 1

The Netherlands has a long and rich history of architectural innovation, dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. From the Gothic style of the Dutch East India Company's headquarters in Amsterdam to the Romanesque churches dotting the landscape, the Netherlands has produced some truly remarkable architecture.

Cloister gate Blitterswijck / Gate to the past

This gate is part of a monastery. I call it the gate to the past because once one passes through it, they are entering another world. A world of the past--a world where people live and speak differently, with different traditions and cultures.

It was built in 1903, but behind it lies a history dating back to the 13th century. Or so they say. Sadly, however, the buildings in this historic area have been destroyed and the only evidence of their existence is seen in the ancient ruins.

Blitterswijck Castle

Blitterswijck Castle is a castle from the 14th century located near Blitterswijck, Venray.

Although the architectural style then was Gothic, we can see from the old photos that it is missing in the castle. Instead we see the transition from Pre-Romanesque to Romanesque.
Romanesque buildings are typically made of stone, with brick or stucco used for detailing. They often have thick walls, small windows, and low ceilings. The interiors are usually dark and cramped, with little natural light.

Despite these limitations, Romanesque architecture was immensely popular in the Middle Ages. Many of Europe's most iconic buildings, such as Notre Dame Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, were built in this style.
This is what makes one wonder when exactly the castle was built. Although the first mention in documents, was in 1371-4, the Blitterswijck family dates long before that.

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Let our children not grow up in a terrible world. Together we can make it better. It is our destiny to
suffer from the past, to long for the future, but to forget the present.
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