Mesagne Castle probably dates back to the 11th century, but the royal fortress we see today was designed and built by renowned military leader Giovanni Antonio Orsini del Balzo in 1430. Since then, alterations have been made but there are traces of its use as a fortress.
The castle consists of two main parts: the oldest one is the quadrangular tower which has three floors, the other includes the rooms on the ground and first floor, connected to the tower through a rectangular room with barrel vaults. In the internal courtyard one can admire the portals with bossage and round arches, which lead to the roof garden.
Today Mesagne castle includes an archaeological museum and events auditorium.
References:Krickenbeck moated castle is one of the oldest on the lower Rhine. Its history dates back to the year 1104, when the castle was first mentioned. It is unclear why the old castle, which was certainly inhabited by Count Reginar, was abandoned or destroyed. In the mid-13th century the castle was moved to the current location. At the end of the 14th century the new castle belonged to the Counts of Kleve.
Johann Friedrich II of Schesaberg converted the castle into a Baroque mansion between 1708-1721. On September 7, 1902, a fire destroyed the entire mansion. From 1903 to 1904, a three-winged castle was built in the Neo-Renaissance style. Today Krickenbeck is a conference center.