Artwork Imagination of Het Blokhuis - Stavoren

Het Blokhuis in Stavoren was a military defence work built around 1522 by order of Emperor Charles V. It served to keep the Frisians under control and strategically guarded the entrance to Stavoren harbour. The blockhouse remained in use until around 1580, after which it lost its function due to changing political and military circumstances. During the Eighty Years' War (1568-1648), it was no longer strategically necessary. Moreover, maintenance costs were high, and parts of the blockhouse were eventually incorporated into the city walls.

In 1996, parts of the walls, towers and several cannonballs were discovered during excavations, highlighting the historical significance of the blockhouse. To honour this history, a work of art was realised on the original foundations in 2019: the ‘Imagination of The Blockhouse’. This project, initiated by the municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân, uses modern materials such as corten steel, concrete and glass. The original foundations have been made visible and fitted with display cases containing historical objects found during excavations.

The artwork serves as a reminder of the vanished fortification and emphasises the importance of preserving cultural heritage. You can see the size and structure of the original blockhouse and learn more about the history of Stavoren.