If you make your way to Winkel, a small place in North Holland about 60km north of Amsterdam, you are in for a big architectural surprise. Ger Leegwater has brought his infinite imagination to life by designing and building the Dutch Kremlin in the grounds of his house. There all his knowledge, skills and creativity come together in this grand project which he started around 1980 and for the past 40 years he has been building a remarkable ensemble of buildings and statues, inspired by Russia and Italy, stories from the Bible and Greek Mythology
A highlight is the Neptune Fountain which features mythological figures including a Triton, a Pegasus and Neptune, standing separate from the Kremlin.
Using sheet iron as his basic material. Leegwater has also made life-sized sculptures, including a depiction of Saint George and the dragon, and statues of the archangel Michael and of the Greek god Orpheus. He is inspired by classical architecture and mythology and he enjoys entertaining visitors with his knowledge of classical history.
Entrance 5 euro for the Dutch Kremlin Foundation.
Photography is only allowed with a mobile phone
With public transport:
The train to Alkmaar, in Alkmaar the bus to Leeuwarden, get off at the monastery, Nieuwe Niedorp, walk towards the golf course, Winkel Oost.