Amid the farmlands near Borssele lies a seemingly simple hill. But this “Berg van Troje”, the Mount of Troy, is one of the most mythical places in Zeeland. Centuries ago, this was the site of a motte-and-bailey castle belonging to the powerful Lords of Borssele, complete with a ring wall and donjon. It served as the region’s centre of power until decline and flooding started.
The last great lord, Floris of Borssele, turned against the new Count of Holland in 1299 and eventually fled to Flanders. His ancestral stronghold fell into ruin and was completely wiped out by the devastating storm surges of 1530 and 1532, along with the nearby medieval village of Monster. What remains is the "Berg van Troje" (Mount of Troy).
In 2015, the site was re-examined using non-invasive archaeological techniques. To mark the 400th anniversary of modern-day Borssele, the stories of this place were brought back to life. You can read them on the Zeeuwse Ankers website.
The Hill of Troy reveals how people once shaped the landscape for power and protection – and how even elevated ground could not withstand the force of water. This refuge mound is a rare remnant of a vanished village and castle, illustrating how water, soil, and conflict together shaped the character of the delta.