The moated castle of Burgsteinfurt is a ring-shaped castle complex that was first mentioned in 1129. The landscape had no natural protection to offer. The oldest moated castle complex in Westphalia therefore stands on a circular island surrounded by the Steinfurter Aa river.
The first market settlement, which later became Steinfurt, developed in the shadow of the castle. In 1164, the lords of Ascheberg destroyed the castle. It was then rebuilt with the help of the Archbishop of Cologne, Reinald von Dassel, for the lords Ludolf and Rudolf von Stenvorde (Steinfurt). Today, Steinfurt Castle consists of the upper castle, the lower castle and the castle mill.
The double chapel is particularly remarkable: two chapels are connected by an opening and were used on two levels until the 14th century. Steinfurt Castle is still privately owned today. It is occupied by the princely family of Bentheim and Steinfurt and houses the princely administration.
Steinfurt Castle is privately owned. It is therefore not possible to visit the interior. But you can explore and experience the grounds at any time. And it's worth it: from Burgstraße, which connects the town centre and Bagno Park, you have a wonderful view of the historic building across the water. The most beautiful photo motif is undoubtedly the gatehouse of the castle.
References:The Jan Hus Memorial stands at one end of Old Town Square. The huge monument depicts victorious Hussite warriors and Protestants who were forced into exile 200 years after Hus, and a young mother who symbolises national rebirth. The monument was so large that the sculptor designed and built his own villa and studio where the work could be carried out. It was unveiled in 1915 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Jan Hus' martyrdom. The memorial was designed by Ladislav Šaloun and paid for solely by public donations.
Born in 1369, Hus became an influential religious thinker, philosopher, and reformer in Prague. He was a key predecessor to the Protestant movement of the sixteenth century. In his works he criticized religious moral decay of the Catholic Church. Accordingly, the Czech patriot Hus believed that mass should be given in the vernacular, or local language, rather than in Latin. He was inspired by the teachings of John Wycliffe.