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Founded: 12th centuryCategory: Castles and fortifications in Germany
Historical period: Hohenstaufen Dynasty (Germany)
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Bentheim Castle (Burg Bentheim) is a medieval hilltop fortress in Bad Bentheim, Lower Saxony. First mentioned in the 11th century as Binithem, it sits on a sandstone ridge that provided both building material and strategic advantage.
Originally a wooden fort, it was destroyed in 1116 and later rebuilt in stone by Otto von Salm. The castle passed through several noble families, including the Counts of Holland and later the Counts of Bentheim.
In the 16th century, Count Arnold II embraced the Reformation. The castle suffered heavy damage in the Thirty Years' War and again during the Seven Years' War. In 1795, it was used as a field hospital and burned by French forces.
Still owned by the Prince of Bentheim-Steinfurt, the castle is partly used as a residence and also operates as a museum open to visitors.
References:Duino Castle was built by the Wallsee family in 1389 on the cliffs overlooking the Gulf of Trieste. It replaced an older castle from the 11th century. Over time, the Wallsee family disappeared and the castle, after having been used as a prison, became the residence of the Luogar and Hofer.
At the end of the 19th century it became the property of Prince Alexander von Thurn und Taxis from the Czech branch of the House of Thurn and Taxis. It remains with the family to this day with his great-grandson Prince Carlo Alessandro della Torre e Tasso, Duke of Castel Duino the current owner. The castle has been opened to the public as a museum and park.