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Vischering Castle
The castle is divided into an outer bailey for the farm buildings and a main castle as the actual core of the facility. Between the parts of the castle and around the castle stretches water-filled moat, which are being fed by the Stever. The main castle is surrounded by a ring wall, which is also integrated inside the building.
There is a report about a splitting contract between Heidenreich and Johan Droste of the donjon from 1414. The donjon was demolished in the Renaissance period. According to that, Heidenreich receives the Borchvrede as heritage. Today, only a paved circle in the centre of the courtyard remembers him.
The castle was built by bishop Gerhard von der Mark in the year 1271. after that it became the ancestral seat of the Droste of Vischering, one of the most important dynasties in the Westphalian landed gentry, heritage High Steward of the prince-bishop of Münster. The castle served as a pure defence building until the year 1521. In the same the castle burnt down and was rebuilt on the old foundations.
Due to the installation of several windows and bays, from the Renaissance period, the castle lost its function as a castle but not it looks as the drawbridges, gates and moats were kept for representation reasons. The castle's refurbishment was done in many cases, in Baumberger sandstone. The sandstone's pale yellow colour contrasts nicely the red of the roof tiles and the dark colours of the Schwarten sandstone from the neighbouring Haard.
Inside, the castle was completely rebuilt and thus made habitable for the then owner. Due to this circumstance, it is possible that Vischering Castle can be used as a cultural centre for the district Coesfeld today. The castle houses the Münsterland Museum, a knights' exhibition for children and changing exhibitions. There is also a restaurant. Lovely paths around the castle are ideal for walks. The castle's outside can be can be toured at any time.
