Bourtange

Bourtange is a village and fortress in the northeastern Netherlands, located in the province of Groningen within the municipality of Westerwolde. The settlement centers on a star-shaped fort surrounded by a broad moat and a canal ring, making it one of the most distinctive examples of a fortification from the early modern period.

History and purpose: Construction of the fortress began in 1594 during the Dutch Revolt, under the leadership of Maurice of Nassau, to block Spanish advances and control the route toward Groningen from the east. The eight-pointed star design, with bastions and water defenses, was intended to provide a strong defensive position and to regulate movement along the land corridor into the province. Bourtange functioned as a border outpost and garrison for several centuries, reflecting the military priorities of the era. It gradually lost strategic importance in the 18th and 19th centuries as military technology and borders shifted.

Present day and significance: In the mid-20th century, Bourtange was restored to preserve the historical fortifications and the surrounding village. Since the 1960s it has operated as a museum and heritage site, with period houses and restored fortifications open to visitors. Today it is regarded as one of the Netherlands’ best-preserved star forts and serves as a popular destination for tourism and education about Dutch military and urban history.