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: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.