Castle tower IJsselstein

Discover IJsselstein's castle tower. From the city's roots to contemporary culture in the Loyertoren.
Once upon a time, here, on the Hollandse IJssel, stood a large castle: IJsselstein Castle. It is literally the origin of today's town, Stein aan den IJssel. Just because only the 16th-century Loyertoren tower now stands does not mean there is nothing to experience. Dive into history, but also experience contemporary culture in the IJsselstein Castle Tower!

The origins of the city of IJsselstein: the Van Amstel fortress
Between roughly 1100 and 1400, the Lords of Van Amstel played a formative role in Dutch history. So too in IJsselstein. A document from 1279 mentions the Stein (stone building or fortress) for the first time. That is the year in which Gijsbrecht van Amstel was appointed Gijsbrecht van IJsselstein: lord of IJsselstein. His father, knight Arnoud van Amstel, already owned land in this area in 1267: lord of Benschop and Noord-Polsbroek, marshal of the bishop of the Sticht Utrecht. In 1280, Arnoud was captured by Count Floris V for defending one of his other castles, together with his brother (namesake of our Lord of IJsselstein): Gijsbrecht IV van Amstel. The latter was one of the conspirators against Floris V in 1296 - about which, in turn, Joost van den Vondel wrote his famous play in 1637.

But we stay with the end of the 13th century. Gijsbrecht van IJsselstein marries, around 1280, Bertha van Heukelom. Together they have seven children. When his uncle is arrested in 1296 for the murder of Floris V, Count of Holland, Gijsbrecht is also suspected of complicity, and arrested. The Dutch also lay siege to IJsselstein Castle, which is heroically defended for a year by Lady Bertha.

It was not until 1308 that Gijsbrecht regained his possessions, when his eldest son Arnold married Maria van Henegouwen. That was also when the bishop gave Gijsbrecht permission to build a parish church in IJsselstein. This Sint-Nicolaaskerk was consecrated in 1310. Gijsbrecht changed his family coat of arms, which we still see today in the coat of arms of the town of IJsselstein. Thus, under Gijsbrecht's administration, IJsselstein grew from a stone castle with some farms to a fortified town, as the church and castle attracted craftsmen. With strategic defences of ramparts, city walls, harbour, gladiators and gates, these new inhabitants (also called 'poorters') were protected.

Gijsbrecht died in 1342 or 1343 and was succeeded by his son Arnold as lord of IJsselstein. He was interred in the special four-person tomb of the Lords of IJsselstein in St Nicolas Church, created by his granddaughter Guyote of IJsselstein. Read more

What can you do in IJsselstein Castle Tower these days?
The Loyer Tower was once part of IJsselstein Castle. The castle was demolished back in 1888. It consisted of a large complex of buildings, towers and walls with a moat around it. The castle's foundations are still in the ground. And fortunately, the tower has been preserved. Check out the extraordinary brick spiral staircase with beautiful vaults and the tower room with fireplace, secrete (toilet) and prison.

The Castle Tower is one of the satellite locations for exhibitions of Museum IJsselstein. The tower is open during these exhibitions, at special events and by appointment. In addition, educational projects and performances for primary school pupils take place in the tower.

Kasteeltoren open to public
The Kasteeltoren is open to the public on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Unfortunately, due to the many stairs, the Kasteeltoren is not suitable for people with walking difficulties. A visit to the Castle Tower is at your own risk.

For more information on the history castle tower, visit the website of Museum IJsselstein.