Haus Bodelschwingh, Water castle in Mengede, Germany.
Haus Bodelschwingh is a water castle near Dortmund surrounded by moats and water features that served both defensive and practical purposes. The building shows typical German defensive architecture with thick walls, towers, and the water systems that made the structure harder to attack.
The castle developed during the medieval period when water defenses were a key strategy for protecting fortified estates. Over the centuries, ownership changed hands several times, though the building kept its main structure largely intact.
The name comes from a family that lived here for generations and shaped the estate's character. Walking around today, you can still see how the spaces reflect the lives of those who once called it home.
The castle sits in Mengede, a district of Dortmund, and is accessible year-round for viewing the exterior and grounds. Walking around the perimeter gives you the best sense of how the water features protect the building and the layout of the surrounding landscape.
The water systems served dual purposes beyond just defense, helping manage water supply and drainage for residents living in the castle. This practical engineering shows how medieval castles combined military and everyday household needs in clever ways.
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