Schloss Hämelschenburg, Renaissance water castle in Emmerthal, Germany.
Schloss Hämelschenburg is a water castle in Emmerthal featuring two prominent towers, a protective moat, and architectural details from the Weser Renaissance period in Lower Saxony. The grounds include a 19th-century park planted with exotic trees that surround the main building.
The castle was built between 1409 and 1414 by the Counts of Everstein and received its current form during a major reconstruction from 1588 to 1618 following a devastating fire in 1544. This rebuilding period gave the structure the appearance it has maintained to this day.
The castle houses a private collection of furniture, paintings, and art objects that show how wealthy families lived and decorated their homes over many generations. These items reveal the tastes and lifestyle choices of different periods in German history.
The castle is accessible only by guided tour, which provides access to the museum collection, the Renaissance chapel, and the park surrounding the grounds. Visitors should check opening times in advance and be prepared for uneven terrain and stairs throughout the visit.
Anna von Holle protected the castle during the Thirty Years' War by forming clever political alliances and negotiating protection agreements with competing military forces. Her diplomatic skill allowed the property to escape destruction during one of the region's most destructive conflicts.
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