Haus Horst

Haus Horst is a manor estate in Essen featuring two round towers and a ring wall dating from the 17th century, forming the Turnierhof courtyard. The grounds span approximately 150 by 150 meters and include a Renaissance-style dairy building constructed around 1680.

The estate takes its name from the von Horst family, who owned it from the 12th century until around 1400 when their connection to the site ended. During this period it served as an administrative center for representatives of the regional county.

The estate now serves as the Foto-Museum Burg Horst, where visitors can explore photographic collections spanning different periods and techniques. The museum displays show how photography evolved and shaped visual culture over time.

The site is relatively flat and easy to walk around, allowing visitors to explore all areas without significant physical strain. Allow enough time to view both the exterior structures and the indoor exhibitions at a comfortable pace.

A memorial stone called Mordstein marks where architect Conrad Fischer was killed by bandits in 1717 at this location. The monument preserves the memory of a dangerous moment in the region's past and shows the risks travelers faced.