Oud Zuilen: Slot Zuylen, Monuments and Routes

Oud Zuilen lies on the Vecht and is surrounded by open pastureland. Numerous walking and cycling routes follow the river and pass through the surrounding countryside. This makes it possible to decide in advance whether garden and local history or outdoor activities should take up more of your travel itinerary.

Slot Zuylen: Architectural and Garden History

Slot Zuylen dates back to around 1250, when Steven van Zuylen laid the first stone of a square residential tower. Its walls were more than 2.5 metres thick. The collection at Slot Zuylen includes objects dating from the 16th through the 20th century. These two time spans offer different historical perspectives: an early architectural origin and collection items from several later centuries.

The oldest known design of the garden is shown in a drawing from 1624. It included tree-lined avenues, an orchard and a kitchen garden. A south-facing serpentine or espalier wall at Slot Zuylen can create a microclimate in its curves that retains warmth for longer, allowing exotic fruits such as figs to grow there. The drawing and the wall represent different aspects of the garden: its earlier design and a possible climatic effect.

Architectural and Funerary Monuments in Oud Zuilen

The Nederlands Hervormde Kerk at Dorpsstraat 10 is listed as a Rijksmonument. It dates from 1847; its single-manual organ was built in 1894 by G. van Druten. The church is described as a chapel with a small bell turret and heraldic cartouches. The walled family cemetery and entrance structure in Oud Zuilen were designated Rijksmonumenten in 1990. Oud Zuilen Cemetery is considered the oldest still-active cemetery outside a built-up area. This destination therefore brings together different historical themes: church architecture, organ building and the monuments around a cemetery.

Walking and Cycling

The 3-kilometre Park Slot Zuylen walking route passes through the castle garden and park at Slot Zuylen. Another option on foot is the “Wandelen langs de Vecht bij Slot Zuylen” route: its final section runs through Oud Zuilen along the river. The two routes have different focuses: one on the garden and park, the other on the Vecht during its final section. Check the condition of the 3-kilometre route before setting out.

The 36-kilometre Buitenplaatsen en Plassenroute cycling route starts at TOP Slot Zuylen in Oud-Zuilen. The “Along castles and fortified towns in Utrecht West” route can start at TOP Oud-Zuilen, between junctions 45 and 53. The 3 kilometres of the walking route and the 36 kilometres of the cycling route highlight the difference between a walk through the garden and park and a longer cycling tour. You can plan your trip around your preferred mode of transport and the routes available.

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