Built in 1380, the amazing Gothic church originally featured a simple shingle roof, which was changed into its now notorious coffin-shaped lead sheet iron form in the 1730s. The church and surrounding ensemble of buildings were once home to a small group of Carthusian monks from Bohemia, a peculiar brotherhood who favoured among other eccentricities a Trappist lifestyle and sleeping in coffins. Inside, find a rich collection of Baroque altars, 29 elaborately carved wooden seats for the monks, a large collection of 17th-century religious paintings and the famous clock pendulum on which hangs a white angel swinging a scythe, accompanied by the eerie words ‘each passing seconds brings you closer to your death’. The church is considered by many to be one of the most interesting religious buildings in Europe and is an absolute must-see and includes a cafe where you can watch a film about Kartuzy.
References:Kakesbeck is one of the largest medieval fortifications in Münsterland and the oldest castle in Lüdinghausen. The imposingly grown complex originated in 1120 as a motte, a small hilltop tower castle. After numerous changes of ownership, the castle was extended onto two islands, but it was not until the 14th century that it underwent significant alterations and extensions under the von Oer family. The estate experienced its heyday in the middle of the 18th century, when it covered an area of almost one square kilometre and consisted of five further outer castles in addition to the core castle, which were secured by ramparts and moats.
The well-maintained condition of the castle today is thanks to the late Wilfried Grewing, the former lord of the castle. The foundation named after him has been particularly committed to preserving the property since 2020.