Burg Cracau, Medieval fortress in Krefeld, Germany
Burg Cracau was a fortified structure in Krefeld located within a distinct urban plot bounded by four streets. Today, only the Hohe Haus remains standing, a building that originally held stables and cellars and now operates as a wine shop.
The fortress was first recorded in 1417 and served to protect Krefeld for centuries. It was demolished in 1677 by order of William III of England, who deemed the maintenance expenses unjustifiable.
The estate became a private retreat for the von Beckerath family, who shaped it according to their tastes and social standing. Visitors can sense how this location served as a residential retreat for the local upper class.
The Hohe Haus is centrally located in Krefeld and can be easily found using the nearby street names. The building's current function as a wine shop offers insight into how the site's use has evolved over time.
The name may derive from the local word 'Krahkau', which means crow cage in the Krefeld dialect. This linguistic detail reflects how regional names often carry stories about the places they describe.
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