Batenburg is situated on a strategic spot along the river Maas and has a splendid history. The name refers to Bato, the forefather of the Batavians, who are said to have established a stronghold here. According to tradition, a Roman temple also stood here, but this has never been proven.
Motte
The earliest mention of Batenburg dates from 1080. A motte castle was probably constructed around that time. The Lords of Batenburg managed to become direct liegemen of the German Emperor. Batenburg was able to retain this special status for centuries. In 1328, Batenburg came into the hands of the noble Van Bronckhorst family. They built a very substantial castle, which was extended over the centuries. In the shadow of the fortress, Batenburg grew into a town with its own Master of Coin.
16th century
In the 16th century, the influence of the traditional church on daily life gradually declined. This allowed a new religion to arise – Protestantism – as well as a growing interest in science. Both developments are in evidence in Batenburg Castle. For example, the scientist Faust, who later features in all kinds of obscure legends, was a guest at the castle.
Protestant
Four Van Bronckhorst brothers were fanatical defenders of the new religion during the Eighty Years’ War (1568-1648). All of them died in the conflict. Two were beheaded in the Grote Markt in Brussels, just like the much more famous counts of Egmond and Van Hoorne.
Downfall
Batenburg never recovered from the successive ravages wrought by Alva (1569), Maurits (1600) and the French (1794). But despite these setbacks, the town has managed to keep its identity as well as its monuments. It has become a kind of open-air museum: the streets and houses are picturesque and the castle ruin is a showpiece of Romanticism.
