Poptaslot

About the museum

The Poptaslot in Marsum, also called Heringastate or Azingastate, is a Frisian stinze that goes back to the Heringa family. The Heringas lived in the house for about a century, then it passed by inheritance to the noble Van Eysinga family. They had the stinze modernised in 1631 and essentially gave it the form that can be seen to this day. The sandstone fireplaces and an elaborately decorated cabinet, among other things, date from this period.

In 1687 the wealthy Leeuwarden lawyer Dr. Henricus Popta bought the estate – for the first time in its history it thus changed hands by sale. He used it only as a summer residence. That the stinze has been preserved so unchanged is thanks to his will: after his death in 1712 he endowed an almshouse for needy women and at the same time secured the continued existence of the stinze. The Popta pew in the village church is also part of his legacy.

To this day the foundation dr. H. Popta Gasthuis administers the estate as the will prescribes; four guardians (voogden) manage its affairs. The gardens continued to develop steadily under their care: as early as the 16th century a vegetable garden with orchard is documented, in 1735 Valentijn Pommer designed a model garden for fruit trees, and later exotic plants – such as figs – were also grown. Visitors today experience the Poptaslot on a tour through the gatehouse with its onion-shaped turrets, the rooms and the garden.

Highlights

• Tour through the rooms with 17th-century interior
• Gatehouse with onion-shaped turrets
• Sandstone fireplaces and decorated cabinet from the time of the Van Eysingas
• Gardens with historic model garden for fruit trees (design from 1735)
• Open day once a year with free admission

Operated by

Stichting dr. H. Popta Gasthuis

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Once a year an open day with free admission to the castle and garden (date via website and social media).

The ticket includes access to the garden.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Children have free admission.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Weddings / ceremonies: not available

The Poptaslot is not a wedding venue. Wedding photos in the front garden are only permitted if one partner comes from Marsum.

Plan your visit