The three-winged Senden Castle looks back on a history of over 1000 years. The complex, which in addition to the manor house consists of an inner courtyard, two moats and an outer bailey, has components dating from the 12th to the 18th century. Around 1350, the castle passed to the Lords of Senden, an old Westphalian noble family. At the end of the 14th century, the heiress of this family married the heir of the Drosten zu Kakesbeck, who in turn was also related to the Drosten zu Vischering. This formed a new branch of the family: the Droste zu Senden. Shortly afterwards, the construction of the castle began. The most recent part is the so-called Mannenhaus, which was built in 1719 and today delights with its charmingly crooked appearance.
Over the centuries, both Senden and the castle itself have repeatedly been the scene of armed conflicts. The castle looks back on a varied history of different owners and uses.
Today the non-profit association Schloss Senden e.V. took over the entire castle complex in 2015 to transform it into a cultural and educational venue. Visitors can see for themselves the ongoing renovation process and experience how the castle is blossoming from a 'lost place' into a new highlight. Concerts, themed tours and other seasonal events are already taking place regularly.
References:Střekov Castle (Schreckenstein) is perched atop a cliff above the River Elbe, near the city of Ústí nad Labem. It was built in 1316 for John of Luxembourg, the father of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, to guard an important trade route to Germany. After changing hands several times, the castle was acquired by the Lobkowicz family in 1563. Its strategic importance led to occupations by Imperial Habsburg, Saxon, and Swedish forces during the Thirty Years' War, as well as successive sieges by Austrian and Prussian armies during the Seven Years' War.
Although Střekov Castle was heavily damaged during those conflicts and abandoned as a military installation by the end of the 18th century, the 1800s saw many poets and artists visiting the castle, drawn by a new trend of interest in romantic ruins.