Haus Winnenthal, Water castle in Birten district, Xanten, Germany.
Haus Winnenthal is a water castle with three wings in Xanten, surrounded by a moat and featuring a southwestern outer bailey as part of its defensive layout. The structure has been reconstructed and now functions as a senior residence within its historical walls.
The castle reached its height in the 15th century when Duke Adolf II of Kleve redesigned it for his son Johann and the latter's wife Elisabeth of Burgundy. This period shaped the site as a major seat of power in the region.
The castle's name reflects the family lineage that inhabited it through the centuries, and visitors can sense this deep connection woven into its design and surroundings. Walking through the reconstructed spaces allows you to understand how local nobility once lived in this border region.
The site now operates as a senior residence with limited public access, so visitors should check in advance whether tours or visits are available. Finding clear entry points and suitable walking paths around the grounds requires some planning.
The castle stands on the historic border between the territories of Kleve and Kurkoln and served as part of the Landwehr defensive line. This strategic location made it a critical checkpoint between two competing powers.
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