Holterhöfchen, Archaeological castle monument in Hilden, Germany
Holterhöfchen is a ringwork with surviving masonry of a fortified farmstead in Hilden, North Rhine-Westphalia. It lies on flat ground at the transition from the Lower Rhine terrace to the lower Middle Terrace. The site had two ditches and two ramparts, with an inner diameter of 60 by 80 metres; the remains of a rectangular building 6.5 by 7 metres on the outer rampart are the only visible masonry.
This compound developed during the medieval period as a fortified farmstead and reflected local power structures in the Hilden region. Its primary role was to secure control over surrounding lands and protect the family's interests.
The name Holterhöfchen refers to a fortified farmstead, and the site's layout reflects a design brought by a settler from northern or eastern Europe, where round-village building was common. The gate stood in the southeast toward Pungshaus, and a rectangular building of 6.5 by 7 metres was later added on the outer rampart. Its masonry is the only surviving visible remnant.
The site is freely accessible and can be reached via several paths that cross the grounds. Information signs onsite explain the archaeological findings and help visitors understand the original layout of the structures.
The designation as a Bodendenkmal protects not only the visible earthworks but also underground layers and finds from excavation and disturbance. This allows archaeologists to continue discovering information about daily life during the medieval period at this location.
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