Haus Crange, Medieval castle ruins in Herne, Germany.
Haus Crange is a castle ruin on an island in the Emscher lowlands, with stone foundation walls and Gothic elements in the basement vault. The site displays typical features of medieval fortress architecture from that period.
Construction of this moated castle began around 1440 under Duke Adolf II of Cleves as a defended water fortress. Over the following centuries, the structure underwent various changes in use and design.
The chapel that once stood near the castle housed religious artworks from the Soester School of Painting, which are now kept in a different location. This shows how important the site was for spiritual life in the region.
A circular walking path with information boards guides visitors through the ruins and explains the architecture. The site is freely accessible but offers limited seating and can be slippery during wet weather.
The location once hosted a 16th-century horse market where animals from the swampy Emscherbruch region were traded. This tradition faded, but the site later inspired the Cranger Kirmes festival that continues today.
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