Bederkesa Castle, Bederkesa, Germany

Bederkesa is a medieval castle built originally in the 12th century. Its original owners, the counts of Bederkesa, lost their fief in 1381. For more than two centuries, the City of Bremen became owner of this castle and its surrounding subjects. As a symbol of sovereignty, they have constructed a Roland statue which is still standing in front of castle. Until 1859, this castle served as administrative centre of its surrounding area. In 1881, it was sold to local investors who converted it into a hotel. This hotel, however, became ramshackle and was deemed to demolition, when the local county administration bought it in 1975, spending much money for reconstruction. Since 1982, the castle serves as museum of local archeology. Remains of prehistoric and medieval houses have been dug from three abandoned villages, Fallward, Feddersen and Flögeln. These Anglo-Saxons moved to England around 450 AD and left their villages uninhabited.

Address

Amtsstraße 17, Bederkesa, Germany

See all sites in Bederkesa

Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Germany
Historical period: Hohenstaufen Dynasty (Germany)

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

Neuwerk Tower (39,4 km)

User Reviews

Andreas Bayer (5 months ago)
Nicely presented museum that deals with the early history of the region. The scope of the exhibition is of a reasonable size: manageable but not too small. Perhaps the original fortifications could be shown a little more clearly outside

Margit Weigelt (11 months ago)
A super beautiful castle that has seen a lot over the last few centuries, from which something inviting and magnificent has been restored. The entrance fee is not too expensive, but unfortunately the building only has 4 rooms to visit, but there is a lot of history with finds that I think have been presented very well. The castle itself is a real eye-catcher for the place on the outside and you can spend the whole day there taking walks by the lake etc. A very magical and dreamy vacation spot where the soul can find peace and escape from everyday life. I would come back at any time ? ?

Michał Garczyński (2 years ago)
Nice outsider, boring museum

Anni St (3 years ago)
Very impressive and informative. At the beginning of the tour, a film was shown about the castle, the restoration and the finds that have been found in various places over the years. There is also currently an exhibition on locks, safes and very old chests. The staff are very friendly and answer any questions. Thank you for these great impressions.

Michael Schmidt (3 years ago)
It is worth seeing the exhibition in the castle. Admission for adults is just €2. Tip: ask when there is a guided tour for the treasure chests. It's included in the price and really interesting. Right next to it is the lake for walking.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Zvonimir Hrvoj

Historic Site of the week

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.

Bederkesa Castle