Senden Castle
Magnificent lime trees, copper beeches and plane trees line the path to Senden Castle. The oldest parts of this unusual moated castle date back to the second half of the 15th century. Here it impresses with the oldest preserved three-tiered gable - a characteristic example of the gable design of many castle houses in the Münsterland.
Old Westphalian noble family
The three-winged 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.
Let yourself be inspired
The most exciting construction site in Münsterland
Today, new life is returning to Schloss Senden: 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.
Did you know ...
The crooked house at Senden Castle© Münsterland e.V. / Philipp Fölting
Who needs Pisa when there's Senden? A glance at the Mannenhaus shows: Here you are standing in front of the weirdest part of the castle in Münsterland. The famous house was built in 1719 as part of the baroque redesign of the castle. For this purpose, the subsoil of the castle island was newly filled in at this point - however, it sank over time and the house began to slowly and gradually tilt towards the moat. Nevertheless, the foundation could already be stabilised in 2018 with a special procedure. In spring 2021, renovation work on the outer shell will begin.
You can inspect the leaning house of Senden at any time and already look forward to when it reopens its doors sometime in a clean new guise. The charismatic crookedness of the Mannenhaus will of course remain.
Listening Journey | Senden Castle
The most exciting building site in Münsterland presents itself with its sleeves rolled up: Come along to Senden Castle, which is being polished back to its former glory with a lot of heart and soul, volunteer energy and professional expertise. You will be fascinated by the (building) history of the estate and its restoration, and it is precisely this process that is unique in Münsterland. You have certainly never been this close to the anatomy of a castle!
Münsterland Castles in the Air | Senden Castle
Map | Senden Castle
- for groups
- 100 Castles Route
- Guided tours
- Outdoor
- Park at the house
Senden Castle
- Mondayclosed
- Tuesdayclosed
- Wednesdayclosed
- Thursdayclosed
- Fridayclosed
- Saturdayclosed
- Sundayclosed
- Eine Innenbesichtigung des Schlosses ist nur im Rahmen einer Führung möglich.
- Die Parkanlage ist ganzjährig frei zugänglich!
Park entrance
- Free admission:0,00 €
4 Tips for Senden Castle
- You can combine your visit to Schloss Senden with a cycle tour, e.g. on the 100 Castles Route or the SteverLandRoute.
- The Grothues Potthof farm has been in the family for 800 years. Asparagus, apples, pears and many types of berries are grown here. You can sample the fresh delicacies in the farm's own café.
- Fancy a picnic at the castle? Book your picnic basket and enjoy it right in the castle park.
- At the "park maintenance seminars", you can help spruce up the castle gardens with like-minded people. You can find the dates in the events calendar below.
- Fancy a little discovery tour through Senden? Then this walk with quiz is just the thing for families! It's free, uncomplicated and entertaining. The start and finish is Senden Castle.
What does Senden Castle have in common with Pisa and what's the story behind the embrasure in the courtyard? An exciting walk on Sunday, 11 August 2024, at 3 p.m. around Senden Castle, its natural park and the most beautiful rooms will answer these questions.
Participants will gain a detailed insight into the history of the family, the structural developments over the centuries and learn learn about the new visions. The meeting point is on the bridge in front of the inner courtyard, the price is €8 for adults, children under under 14 years are free.
Holtrup 3
48308 Senden
- Mondayclosed
- Tuesdayclosed
- Wednesdayclosed
- Thursdayclosed
- Fridayclosed
- Saturdayclosed
- Sunday15:00 Uhr bis 16:00 Uhr
- Kinder (unter 14 Jahren): 0
- Erwachsene: 8
What does Senden Castle have in common with Pisa and what's the story behind the embrasure in the courtyard? An exciting walk on Sunday, 13 October 2024, at 3 p.m. around Senden Castle, its natural park and the most beautiful rooms will answer these questions.
Participants will gain a detailed insight into the family history, the structural developments over the centuries and learn about the new visions. The meeting point is on the bridge in front of the inner courtyard, the price is €8 for adults, children under 14 are free.
Holtrup 3
48308 Senden
- Kinder: 0
- Erwachsene: 8
You can experience a lot with me: Events, gastronomy, green spaces and other exciting things to explore. Curious?
Münsterland Tourism Centre© Münsterland e.V./Anja Tiwisina
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