Oud Poelgeest Castle

About

The Teylingen Castle Ruins, located just north of Leiden, offer a striking glimpse into the region’s medieval past. This circular moated fortress, dating back to the 13th century, once served as a strategic stronghold and later as a residence for the Counts of Holland. Its thick brick walls, added donjon, and remnants of the former residential quarters reveal the scale and importance of the site, which once included an extensive outer bailey and luxurious living spaces. Today, the ruins rise dramatically above the flat landscape, creating an atmospheric setting where visitors can wander through the preserved ring wall and imagine life in a fortified water castle. Surrounded by a wide moat and peaceful greenery, Teylingen remains one of the area’s most evocative historic monuments, blending raw medieval architecture with a serene rural backdrop.

Leiden Netherlands
Oud Poelgeest Castle
Location

Teylingen Castle Ruins are located at Teylingerlaan 15A, 2215 RZ Voorhout, in the municipality of Teylingen, South Holland, Netherlands, just a short drive from Leiden. This 13th-century round water fortress rises dramatically above the flat polder landscape, surrounded by a wide moat and remnants of its outer bailey. Nearby, visitors can explore the Van der Valk Hotel Sassenheim-Leiden, the vibrant beaches of Noordwijk, and the iconic Keukenhof Gardens, with Leiden's historic centre, including its canals and museums, reachable within 10-15 minutes by car. The site offers ample parking and serves as a gateway to the region's bulb fields and coastal paths. ​

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