Burgsteinfurt Castle, Steinfurt, Germany

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:

muensterland.com

Church of St Donatus

The Church of St Donatus name refers to Donatus of Zadar, who began construction on this church in the 9th century and ended it on the northeastern part of the Roman forum. It is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia.

The beginning of the building of the church was placed to the second half of the 8th century, and it is supposed to have been completed in the 9th century. The Zadar bishop and diplomat Donat (8th and 9th centuries) is credited with the building of the church. He led the representations of the Dalmatian cities to Constantinople and Charles the Great, which is why this church bears slight resemblance to Charlemagne's court chapels, especially the one in Aachen, and also to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. It belongs to the Pre-Romanesque architectural period.

The circular church, formerly domed, is 27 m high and is characterised by simplicity and technical primitivism.

Stein H (3 years ago)
Pretty. Wish I could visit it properly sometime.

Ksenia Korobeynikova (5 years ago)
Nice castle with perfect park, but very low chance to visit - only after reservation and on certain day. Next time!

Nikhil Kumar Jha (6 years ago)
Small town, apparently more famous for being a popular option for having a place in a residential environment.

Felix O (6 years ago)
Gorgeous town, traditional rural life. There is a fantastic park with a small lake and pedal boats for hire.

Matthew Comeau (6 years ago)
Picturesque. Can not enter.

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Church of St Donatus