Germany Schloss Nordkirchen

Nordkirchen Castle is a Baroque castle in Nordkirchen in the Münsterland region. Due to its imposing buildings and extensive gardens, it is also called the "Westphalian Versailles." The castle's origins date back to a moated castle built by Johann III von Morrien in 1398. The Morrien family gained prestige and power in the Prince-Bishopric of Münster during the 15th century. Starting in 1528, the family estate was rebuilt and expanded as a castle. To build a defense system with extensive ramparts and moats, the village, including the village church, had to be relocated approximately 500 meters to the north. In 1561, the estate was redeemed from the hereditary lease of the Werden Monastery and henceforth became the free property of the family. The Thirty Years' War was survived without damage.

In 1694, the Prince-Bishop of Münster, Friedrich Christian von Plettenberg-Lenhausen, purchased the property and other lands in the surrounding area. He had the palace demolished and a palace built on the same site in the French Baroque-Classical style. Construction began in 1703 and was continued by his son, Ferdinand von Plettenberg. The construction was completed in 1734 with the completion of the spacious palace garden.

Over the next two centuries, the palace was expanded several times. It survived both world wars largely unscathed. In 1958, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia purchased the palace, which was now in danger of collapsing. The extensive maintenance and restoration work continued until the early 1990s. Since 1950, the North Rhine-Westphalia University of Finance has been located in the palace. It also offers guided tours of the palace.

Parking Lot at the Castle