Dreckburg, Medieval castle in Salzkotten, Germany.
Dreckburg is a medieval castle on the eastern edge of Salzkotten, surrounded by a water-filled moat and featuring two baroque wings added in the 18th century. A central tower rises above the complex, and the thick stone walls still show the original defensive character of the building.
Otto von Bentheim, a cathedral provost from Paderborn, had the fortress built between 1347 and 1357 as a defense against raids from the Electorate of Cologne. Over the following centuries the property changed hands several times and was gradually extended and altered.
The Dreckburg serves today as an open-air concert venue, hosting well-known German acts such as Roger Cicero, Sarah Connor, and Silbermond in front of large audiences. The setting gives these events a character that a regular stage could not offer.
The castle sits on the eastern edge of Salzkotten, close to the B1 road, and is easy to reach on foot from the town center. For current information about access and opening conditions, Salzkotten Marketing is a good starting point.
The third floor of the central tower contains a Renaissance wall painting depicting the legend of the Fountain of Youth. This painting survived all the changes of ownership and building work over the centuries and can still be seen today.
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