Nestled in the floodplains of the IJssel, in Spankeren (province of Gelderland), the Geldersche Toren is much more than just a tower. A national monument since 1970, this round neo-Gothic tower impresses as much with its architecture as with its eventful history.
Galerie photos
Michielverbeek, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A castle with a thousand-year history
The first mention of the “Spankeren Tower” dates back to 1535, but its foundations go back to the 13th century. Alternately demolished, rebuilt, and renovated, it took on its current form in 1868, under the direction of architect Jan Brink Evers. To conceal the different construction phases, its walls were covered with a uniform gray plaster.
In winter, when the trees are bare, it can be easily seen from the N348 road between Arnhem and Zutphen.
From the Counts of Guelders to modern collectors
The estate belonged to the Counts and later Dukes of Guelders, including Charles of Guelders, who gave it to his illegitimate son in 1538. The tower then passed through many noble hands before being sold in 1979 to an antiques enthusiast, H.B.M. Ruyten, who carefully restored it. Today, his son still resides there.