Burg Boetzelaer, Medieval castle in Kalkar, Germany
Burg Boetzelaer is a water castle in Kalkar situated on the banks of the Boetzelaerer Meer, featuring a modern glass front that contrasts with its historical stone structure. The complex includes multiple sections and moat systems that reflect its medieval defensive design.
The castle was founded in 1253 and served for five centuries as the ancestral seat of the noble Boetzelaer family, with two outer baileys and moat systems. During the 13th and 14th centuries, a seven-story defensive tower strengthened its fortifications, making the structure nearly impenetrable.
The castle now serves as a venue for concerts and celebrations, with its historical rooms transformed into contemporary spaces for meetings and ceremonies. This ongoing use shows how the place remains central to community life while honoring its past.
The castle can be visited on weekdays and offers guided tours through various historical and modern spaces. If you wish to stay overnight, thematically designed rooms are available along with breakfast service.
The seven-story defensive tower constructed during the 13th and 14th centuries stands as one of the most impressive parts of the complex. Its design reveals the medieval building techniques and strategic thinking of its builders.
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