Haus Horst, Medieval castle in Hilden, Germany
Haus Horst is a castle complex in Hilden with defensive walls surrounded by water channels and situated between Düsseldorf-Benrath and the town. The estate now consists of two connected building complexes with approximately 300 residential units and various service areas.
The site was founded around 1250 as a knight's estate with a fortified castle and soon became contested between the Counts of Berg and the Archbishopric of Cologne. These power struggles significantly shaped the location's early history.
The name 'Horst' refers to an elevated place, and the structures display typical medieval defensive features with surrounding water channels. Visitors can still observe the old walls and water surroundings that have shaped life here for centuries.
The site is now primarily a residential complex and not open for regular visits, so it is best to inquire about access possibilities beforehand. The outer walls and water features can be viewed from outside if you walk around the perimeter.
The site was the center of the 'Horster Lehnstreit' for over two centuries, a bitter inheritance dispute that lasted from 1589 until the 18th century. This prolonged conflict made the location a symbol of tensions between regional powers.
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