Not far from the Old Market Square stands Bielefeld’s oldest town church, Altstädter Nicolaikirche, which became an independent parish church in 1236. The interior of this Gothic hall church (1340) features a priceless wooden altar carved at the Antwerp workshops of the St. Luke’s guild in 1524. The carvings depict more than 250 figures in scenes from biblical stories.
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.