In the 18th century, a group of people from the village Herrnhut in Saxony settled on the estate of Zeist Castle. They were members of the Herrnhuter Brüdergemeine, also known as the Unity of the Brethren or the Moravian Church. Their settlement flourished, and they built their own church, houses and schools, and their own cemetery. The Moravian Church is still present in Zeist, but not as visible as before. Their heritage remains, though, and can still be seen just outside the castle. Since they arrived in the mid 18th century, members of...
read moreThere is a little castle in the Dutch city Zeist, known as Slot Zeist (Castle Zeist). It looks more like a manor, actually, but it does have a moat. Originally built in the late middle ages, it was largely rebuilt between 1677 and 1686, by Dutch architect Jacobus Roman (1640-1716). In the 18th century, the castle and surrounding estate became the center of the Moravian Church in Holland, when the landlord invited a group of Herrnhuter Brüdergemeine to settle on the estate. Their church and cemetery are still in use. The current owner of the...
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