Rheydt Castle (Mönchengladbach)

The castle's origins date back to before the first millennium, with evidence of an earlier wooden structure. Its first documented mention was in 1180, when Archbishop Philipp von Heinsberg of Cologne acquired the feudal rights. The castle's current appearance is due to renovations between 1558 and 1570, carried out under the then-lord of the castle, Otto von Bylandt. He commissioned Maximilian Pasqualini, son of the Italian master builder, to design the complex. Pasqualini created a three-part facility with a gatehouse, outer bailey, and main house, surrounded by an outer and inner moat. The manor house was built in the Italian Renaissance style with Dutch influences, reflected in the facade design and interior furnishings. Since then, there have been only minor destructions or alterations, ensuring the original structure remains largely intact. In 1978, the castle was honored as the European Museum of the Year.