Zeist Castle

Zeist Castle is a castle in the Dutch municipality of Zeist. The castle is surrounded by an English landscape park.

The first mention of the knightly court city of Zeist dates back to the year 1152 and it was officially recognized as such in 1536. The castle was established by Willem Adriaan I van Nassau, lord of Odijk, Kortgene, Zeist and Driebergen, the grandson of Prince Maurits of Nassau. The architect of the house was Jacob Roman, who also designed Het Loo Palace. The interior was primarily designed by Huguenot Daniel Marot, whose wall and ceiling paintings resemble French Baroque and have largely been preserved. The construction lasted from 1677 to 1686.

Zeist Castle was built in the seventeenth century as a pleasure palace for Willem Adriaan, Count of Nassau-Odijk. Power, prestige, and wealth were meant to be seen. The grandeur of this aristocratic house is immediately felt as you drive up the stately avenue. The distinguished entrance offers a warm welcome. The classic interior of the style rooms exudes the lush warmth of the Baroque.

With the design and the interior, the interior designer, Daniel Marot, introduced the Baroque style to the Netherlands. The style rooms have remained entirely intact and are comparable to the interiors of the royal palaces.

Over the years, the castle has changed owners and functions several times until it eventually came into the hands of the Municipality of Zeist. Since then, many special parties and events have taken place, and Figi’s kitchen brigade has provided many special dinners at Zeist Castle.

The restoration in the 1960s and the recent renovation showcase the rich history of the castle in all its splendor.

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