Grave Fortress

The origins of the Grave Fortress date back to 1140, when Hermann II van Cuijk had a castle built here, around which a settlement later developed. The Lords of Cuijk ruled over Grave until the late 14th century. In the Middle Ages, several sieges occurred as part of the conflicts between the Duchies of Brabant and Gelre, including in 1285, 1385, 1386, and 1388. From 1400 to 1549, Grave belonged to Gelre, during which time the old castle was expanded and embellished. Duke Arnold of Geldern and the last Duke Charles of Egmond, born in Grave, shaped this period. During the Eighty Years' War, Grave was besieged multiple times again and captured by troops of the States General (including in 1568 by William I of Orange-Nassau, 1602 by Prince Maurice of Nassau) as well as Spanish garrisons (including in 1586). In 1672, the city fell to the French under King Louis XIV, but was recaptured two years later by the States General, with large parts of the city, including the church and the castle (except for the arsenal), being severely damaged or destroyed. Another severe siege by French troops in 1794 left deep marks. In 1874, Grave lost its fortress status, and much of the fortifications were demolished. Nevertheless, parts such as the outer moat, the Hampoort from 1686, the gun rampart, casemates, the arsenal, the half-bastion Bekaf, and fortress walls along the Meuse front and the old harbor are still preserved today.

The Grave Fortress is located in the city of Grave in the province of Noord-Brabant, in the Zuid-Nederland region of the Netherlands. It is situated at an elevation of approximately 13 meters above sea level.

Visitors can today explore the Grave Fortress and the preserved parts of the historic complex.

• Kasteel Wijchen (Castle), approx. 5.7 km away
• Festung Ravenstein (Fortress), approx. 7.3 km away
• Huis te Leur (Mansion), approx. 7.8 km away
• Kasteel Hernen (Castle), approx. 9.5 km away