Stadskasteel Zaltbommel

The Stadskasteel in Zaltbommel is the town's historic castle-like house and its museum, and it is one of the best places to understand the history of the Bommelerwaard, the river landscape between the Maas and the Waal. The building dates from 1535 and is known for its link to Maarten van Rossem, the Gelderland military commander who served the duke of Guelders in the early sixteenth century and became one of the best known figures of the region's wars. The house reflects the status of a man of his rank, and its distinctive facade and well-preserved interiors make it a centrepiece of the old town.

Today the building houses a museum. The ground floor presents the history of the area in the sixteenth century, with objects and stories that bring the period to life, including the conflicts of the time and the life of the town's residents. Upstairs, collections of paintings, applied art and period furniture show the artistic and domestic culture of the region over several centuries. The mix of objects and rooms means that the visit feels more like walking through a home than a gallery, which many visitors enjoy.

The museum has a special draw for families. A permanent exhibition is devoted to Fiep Westendorp, the illustrator who drew the books about Jip and Janneke, written by Annie M.G. Schmidt, as well as many other children's titles, including Puk van de Petteflet. Her drawings are loved by generations of Dutch readers, and the exhibition lets visitors see original work and learn about her life.

Zaltbommel itself repays exploration. It is a small, walled Waal town in Gelderland, with a well preserved medieval centre, and the Gasthuistoren, a tower of the former hospital, and the Sint Maartenskerk, with its tall tower, are close to the museum. The streets have a relaxed, historic feel, and the river bank is a short walk away, with views over the Waal and the long bridge. A walk along the old town walls gives a good sense of the layout of the fortified town.

The museum suits families, art lovers and visitors interested in Gelderland history, and the visit takes about an hour or two. Check opening days and prices before going, since small museums often close on certain weekdays, and consider combining it with the church and a coffee in the old centre.