IN THE AREA
Stinzen
The hundreds of mounds of medieval Fryslân often had a stins: a habitable stone tower with very thick walls, to defend the inhabitants of mounds in times of armed conflict.

Schierstins
One of these stone houses remains (the Schierstins) and here and there remnants can be identified. Of the first stone houses in the city (city stinzen) there are more, greatly modified over time.

States
Many stinzen have been demolished, but some have actually developed: the resident (the 'chief') expanded his residence into a complex for which the name 'state' was used. Again, most of them are no longer there.

Fogelsangh State
(Veenklooster)
Building (limited) open to the public (entrance). The garden around it, called Veenkloosterbos, is freely accessible for walking.
Staniastate
(Oentsjerk)
Main building cannot be visited. There is, however, a brasserie, garden hall and terrace next door. Park freely accessible.

There are even more beautiful States and Stinzen throughout Friesland.
-
Vijversburg with a nature and culture park in Tytsjerk. Park around it accessible to the public (entrance)
-
The Klinze in Aldtsjerk. 'Trial sleep estate' and Grand Cafe (open weekends). Park freely accessible
-
It Lytse Slot in Veenklooster. The building / garden cannot be visited due to private property.
-
Rinsmastate in Driezum. Main building cannot be visited. Garden and park freely accessible
Check this website for the complete overview.