Castle Dussen

Dussen, Netherlands, Netherlands

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Castle Dussen in Dussen, Netherlands, originated as a fortified house possibly from before the 13th century, with its square donjon tower built in 1330 by John VI of Heusden and expanded into a full castle around 1387 by Arent II van der Dussen, who received permission from Albert I, Duke of Bavaria, creating a 28-meter square layout with round projecting towers and a north entrance.

Severely damaged by the 1421 St. Elizabeth's Flood that destroyed much of the structure, it was rebuilt between 1473-1474 by Jan V van der Dussen into its recognizable form, later remodeled in Tuscan style with a west wing and improved towers under owners like Baron van Gent in the early 17th century.

Captured by Spanish forces in 1573 during the Eighty Years' War and plundered by French troops in 1672, it faced demolition threats in 1931 but was purchased by the local authority in 1935 for restoration as a town hall, suffering WWII damage in 1944-1945 before final repairs by 1953.