Duivelshuis (Devil's House) Guide
Duivelshuis: A Devilishly Delightful Landmark Guide
Prepare to be captivated by the Duivelshuis, or Devil's House, a stunning late-Gothic building that stands as one of Arnhem's most iconic landmarks. Its ornate facade, adorned with devilish figures, tells a tale of wealth, power, and a touch of the macabre. This architectural gem is a must-see for history buffs, art enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a glimpse into Arnhem's fascinating past. More than just a pretty building, the Duivelshuis is a symbol of the city's resilience and enduring spirit. The Duivelshuis was originally built in the 15th century as a private residence for Maarten van Rossum, a notorious military commander in the service of Charles of Guelders. Van Rossum was known for his ruthless tactics and earned the nickname "the Devil of Gelderland." The building's name derives from the three satyrs, often mistaken for devils, that adorn the facade. These figures were likely intended to symbolize the power and wealth of Van Rossum. Over the centuries, the Duivelshuis has served various purposes, including a court of justice and a municipal office. It suffered significant damage during World War II but was meticulously restored to its former glory. While you can't typically go inside the Duivelshuis as it currently houses a part of the Arnhem city hall, admiring its exterior is an activity in itself. Take your time to appreciate the intricate details of the facade, including the satyrs, the coats of arms, and the Gothic windows. The building is particularly striking at night when it is illuminated. The surrounding area offers a variety of cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal or a drink while admiring the Duivelshuis. Arnhem doesn't have a specific dish tied to the Duivelshuis, but you can find many restaurants serving traditional Dutch cuisine nearby.
Transportation
The Duivelshuis is located in the city center and is easily accessible on foot from Arnhem Centraal Station (approximately a 10-minute walk). Several bus lines also stop near the city center, including bus lines 1, 3, 5, 21, 26, 27, 29, 31, 43, 51, 52, 56, 60, 62, 72, 73, 91, 105, 231, 300, 302, 304, 352, 354, 361, 450, 452, 454, 460, 461, 462, 463, 464, 465, 466, 467, 468, 469, 470, 471, 472, 473, 474, 475, 476, 477, 478, 479, 480, 481, 482, 483, 484, 485, 486, 487, 488, 489, 490, 491, 492, 493, 494, 495, 496, 497, 498, 499, 500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 507, 508, 509, 510, 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516, 517, 518, 519, 520, 521, 522, 523, 524, 525, 526, 527, 528, 529, 530, 531, 532, 533, 534, 535, 536, 537, 538, 539, 540, 541, 542, 543, 544, 545, 546, 547, 548, 549, 550, 551, 552, 553, 554, 555, 556, 557, 558, 559, 560, 561, 562, 563, 564, 565, 566, 567, 568, 569, 570, 571, 572, 573, 574, 575, 576, 577, 578, 579, 580, 581, 582, 583, 584, 585, 586, 587, 588, 589, 590, 591, 592, 593, 594, 595, 596, 597, 598, 599, 600, 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607, 608, 609, 610, 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 617, 618, 619, 620, 621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626, 627, 628, 629, 630, 631, 632, 633, 634, 635, 636, 637, 638, 639, 640, 641, 642, 643, 644, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, 650, 651, 652, 6