Hülshoff Castle near Havixbeck is one of the most popular destinations in Münsterland. The first documented mention of the castle dates back to 1349. It developed from the former upper court, to which a manor house was added by the then owners, the Lords of Schonebeck. In 1417 the ancestors of the poet acquired the knight's seat. The manor house, which was built as a closed Renaissance complex in the years 1540-1545, has essentially been preserved to this day.
As it presents itself at present, it is a beautiful Renaissance building from the years 1540-1545 after a reconstruction by Heinrich I von Droste-Hülshoff. Today, the moated castle houses, among other things, the Droste Museum, which provides an insight into the life of the poetess and the nobility of the time. The surrounding park offers an attractive excursion destination in summer.
References:The Château de Foix dominates the town of Foix. An important tourist site, it is known as a centre of the Cathars. Built on an older 7th-century fortification, the castle is known from 987. In 1002, it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. In effect, the family ruling over the region were installed here which allowed them to control access to the upper Ariège valley and to keep surveillance from this strategic point over the lower land, protected behind impregnable walls.
In 1034, the castle became capital of the County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. During the two following centuries, the castle was home to Counts with shining personalities who became the soul of the Occitan resistance during the crusade against the Albigensians.