15/06/2026
First day of our in Naarden ended with a brilliant introduction to the history of this extraordinary fortified town by Jeroen Monumentenbezit
From its medieval street plan and strategic position, to the 17th-century bastions, waterline defences, 19th-century bombproof buildings and later concrete shelters, Naarden gave our students a powerful lesson in how fortifications evolve over time.
One of the most thought-provoking questions was whether the demolished Amsterdam Gate should be rebuilt.
Our discussion turned to the idea of “poetic loss”: that absence can also tell a story. Rather than physically reconstructing what has gone, art installations, digital interpretation, projection or temporary creative interventions could help visitors understand the lost gate without confusing new work with historic fabric.
This is exactly why hands-on learning matters. Conservation is not only about preserving what remains, but also asking careful questions about memory, authenticity, loss and public understanding. This study trip was partially funded by our friends Fortress Study Group
