 This is a National Monument of Brunant and as such may not be modified or dismantled.
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| Adriankastel | |
|---|---|
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| National Monument | |
| Location | Dortmund, Cape Cross Parish |
| Type(s) | Historical, architectural |
| Selected | 1933 |
The Adriankastel is an early 17th century fortress located in on the south bank of the Dortmund River in Dortmund, Brunant.
History[]
Named after King Adrian I, it was built from 1621-1633 to protect his summer villa at modern-day Koningstad. The Adrianbrug was later built to connect the castle with the capital. It is the only star-shaped fort in Brunant.
In 1800, James Carrington was locked up at the Adriankastel. Four days later, however, some 500 soldiers refused to take orders from the king and stormed the fortress, freeing Carrington.
It ended active military use in 1871, but was converted into a prison, serving in that capacity until 1932, being made a National Monument in 1933.
In 1940, the castle was put to use to defend against a possible German invasion, but the fortress fell to Nazi paratroopers on 22 May 1941 without fighting a shot.
The fortress was used for executing prisoners (by firing squad), with the last being that of October Plot assassin Henry Hinds in 1932.
Since World War II, the fortress has been used for various purposes: a museum, film sets, historical reenactments, an event venue and sports competitions. It is owned by the government of Dortmund.
Trivia[]
- Prior to the establishment of the Koningstad Tide Gauge in 1926, measures of elevation took place near the Adriankastel.
- Koningstad Transport was founded in 1931 with the creation of a bus route from Koningsberg Palace (Centrum) to the Adriankastel in Dortmund.
- Both the Dortmund Cathedral and an S-train station are located near the fortress.
- The Koningin Marie, a former Royal Navy ship, is located next to the Adriankastel and houses the Koningin Marie Museum
Gallery[]
