Slot Zuylen Oud Zuilen - Castle

Slot Zuylen is an impressive castle located on De Vecht near Utrecht. The castle was built in the 13th century and has undergone many changes over the centuries. It is currently open to the public.

The castle is located on a beautiful estate and is surrounded by a moat. It has a unique look thanks to the different architectural styles that have been added over the years. There is the medieval residential tower, the 18th-century chapel and the 19th-century extension. The castle also has a beautiful garden that is definitely worth a visit.

History

One of the most interesting aspects of Slot Zuylen is the history of the noble family Van Tuyll van Serooskerken, who has owned the castle for nearly 700 years. The castle is therefore rich in historical stories and anecdotes that are told during guided tours. For example, there are the stories about the famous writer Belle van Zuylen, who was born and spent her childhood in the castle.

18th-century chapel

One of the highlights of a visit to Slot Zuylen is the 18th-century chapel. This chapel was built by the then residents of the castle, the Van Tuyll van Serooskerken family, as a private chapel for the family and their guests. The chapel is beautifully decorated with, among other things, a large painting of the Holy Family and a wooden altar. The chapel is visited during guided tours and visitors are told more about its history.

Kasteeltuin

Another highlight of a visit to Slot Zuylen is the garden. The garden is laid out in different styles and is a feast for the eyes. There is the formal French garden with tight hedges and symmetrical patterns, the romantic English garden with winding paths and ponds and the vegetable garden where fruit and vegetables are grown. It is also possible to get a tour of the garden where the guide tells more about the different plants and trees.