Fürstenau Castle

The history of Fürstenau Castle begins with earlier fortifications. A first castle, Fürstenberg, is known only by name. Another complex, built around 1300 by Prince-Bishop Ludwig von Ravensberg near Settrup, served as a stronghold but led to conflicts with the Count of Tecklenburg-Ibbenbüren and was razed after the Battle of Haler Feld in 1308. Around 1335, under Prince-Bishop Gottfried von Arnsberg, the collegiate castle was built, from whose outer bailey the town of Fürstenau developed, receiving town rights in 1402. Following military conflicts, Bishop Konrad III von Diepholz reinforced the castle with ramparts and moats. Konrad IV von Rietberg and Erich von Braunschweig-Grubenhagen expanded the complex with additional buildings. Under Johann IV von Hoya, who made Fürstenau his permanent residence and declared it the main fortress of the Prince-Bishopric in 1556, the fortifications were further expanded and gardens were laid out.