The Genneper Huys
A rich history
The Genneper Huys, the former castle located at the confluence of the Niers and Maas rivers, played a significant role during the Eighty Years’ War. Its peak moment came in 1641 when the Genneper Huys became the stage for a large-scale siege led by none other than Frederick Henry of Orange.
In the image, you can see the Genneper Huys. Over 300 years ago, this area was home to fortifications and moats, known as the crown works. In 1710, French troops destroyed the castle, bringing an end to a turbulent era.
Want to learn more? Visit the exhibition: 1641 – Beleef de Belegering at the old town hall of Gennep.
Frederick Henry, soldiers, farmers around Gennep, Crosier monks from the monastery of St. Agatha, and ordinary citizens of Gennep will share their personal stories with you—what they saw, heard, and felt, and how the siege of 1641 impacted their lives.
Restoration of the Castle Ruins
In 2009, a partial reconstruction of the castle ruins began. The crown works and moats were made visible again. Test trenches were dug near the Bloemenstraat to uncover more about archaeological findings.
By 2010, the work was completed, and the area was opened to tourists. Five walkways were installed on the old foundations, along with a bridge crossing the Niers.
Artwork at the Roundabout
At the roundabout between Milsbeek and Ottersum stands a sculpture made of corten steel. This artwork references the remains of the Genneper Huys, a historic fortress nearby.
The sculpture consists of three elements representing a fortress built on a hill (motte): a donjon (tower), a fortress gate, and a stepped gable of a castle wall. The surrounding beech hedge symbolizes the crown work.
Acknowledgements:
- Design: IJsbrandt Roovers (Castle Heijen)
- Construction: Metallgestaltung Derksen Rausch Weeze
- Technical Drawing: Henri Buffart
- Federative Platform Cultural History Maas and Niers
- Municipality of Gennep
- Hopmans Banden Heijen
Realized in 2017