October 10, 2011 at 5:00 pm
Picture of the Day: Bourtange Star Fort in Groningen, Netherlands
BOURTANGE STAR FORT IN GRONINGEN, NETHERLANDS
Photograph by Gebruiker:Bourtange
Bourtange (53.0066°N 7.1920°E) is a star fort and village in the Westerwolde region of the Dutch province of Groningen. It is a part of the municipality of Vlagtwedde, and lies about 32 km northeast of Emmen. The fortifications were initially built during the Eighty Years’ War (c. 1568–1648) when William I of Orange wanted to control the only road between Germany and the city of Groningen which was controlled by the Spaniards.
In 1851 the star fort was given up and Bourtange became a normal village. Around 1960, living conditions in the village deteriorated and it was decided that Bourtange would be rebuilt to its state of 1740-1750. Today it is an open air museum. [Source]
