Schloss Overhagen

Schloss Overhagen is a Renaissance castle in Lippstadt built on two islands surrounded by moats, with walls displaying elaborate carved geometric shapes. The facade features protruding decorative elements arranged in red bands across the masonry, creating a distinctive surface texture.

The castle was built in 1619 by the von Schorlemer family as a residential seat on fortified islands. A significant redesign occurred in 1735 when Baroque and Rococo styling was added to modernize both exterior and interior.

The site functions as a school where students and teachers work within rooms originally designed for nobility, creating a living connection between education and historical spaces. This everyday use keeps the building active and integrated into community life.

The castle is located in central Lippstadt and currently serves as a private school, making interior access unavailable to the public. The exterior and its distinctive wall decorations can be viewed from outside the moat-enclosed grounds.

The walls feature an unusual three-dimensional decoration created by carved stone ornaments that protrude from the surface, depicting various living and abstract forms. This sculptural approach to wall ornamentation is a rare example of hands-on decorative craftsmanship from the Renaissance period.