Haus Vittinghoff, Medieval castle remains in Stadtwald, Essen, Germany.
Haus Vittinghoff is a castle site in Essen composed of a central mound and an adjacent eastern section laid out in a depression. The two-part structure reflects the design common to fortified water castles built in lowland regions.
The site was first documented in 1230 when it belonged to the Vittinghoff family, who served as officials for the Bishop of Münster. The family maintained its presence in this region for generations as part of the medieval administrative structure.
The structure represents a typical lowland castle built in a spring depression, indicating its original function as a water castle.
The castle site is located in the city forest and accessible on foot, with the ground elevations visible as you walk through. The location is easy to reach since it sits within a wooded area connected by local paths.
A member of the family held a position of authority at a major neighboring fortress, revealing the family's connections to broader regional power centers. This involvement in a larger fortified network shows how local lords maintained influence across multiple strongholds.
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