Important Renaissance moated castle on the Lower Rhine
Address: Rheydt Castle, Schlossstraße 508, 41238 Mönchengladbach | Built: 1558 to 1591 | Architectural style: Renaissance
A remarkable gem in the city of St. Vitus is Rheydt Castle. This listed building is located in the district of the same name in Mönchengladbach. The castle was built between 1558 and 1591 by the master builder Maximilian von Pasqualini on the orders of Otto von Bylandt.
Today, Rheydt Castle belongs to the city of Mönchengladbach. It houses a museum. Exhibits from the Renaissance period are on display, and there are regular special exhibitions on various topics. Not only the exhibitions within the historic walls are worth a visit; the unique architecture of the period can also be admired at Rheydt Castle.
Directions and location of this Mönchengladbach landmark
Rheydt Castle is located in the district of the same name in Mönchengladbach, which is part of the Mönchengladbach-Süd district and is considered one of the eastern districts. This is also where the border with Rhein-Kreis-Neuss and the village of Neersbroich is located.
The Renaissance castle is set in an open-air setting that differs from typical parks of the time. Even today, the building is surrounded by ramparts and ditches. Visitors can still recognize the pentagonal structure of the open-air setting, which served as a defensive structure.
The complex has been integrated into the local environment in a unique way. The park is partially crisscrossed by old avenues that lead visitors directly to the castle to admire the Renaissance castle or visit an exhibition in the museum.
Opening Hours and Tours
The outdoor area surrounding Rheydt Castle and the Renaissance palace can be viewed from the outside at any time. Those wishing to enter the historic building must adhere to specific opening hours. The museum, located within the castle, opens its doors to visitors at the following times:
The opening hours for the interior of the church are as follows:
Rheydt Castle Opening Hours
Monday to Friday
from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday
from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Admission Prices for Rheydt Castle, Mönchengladbach
Admission to Rheydt Castle is not free, as it houses a museum. Compared to other museums, admission prices are quite reasonable. This allows you to not only explore the Renaissance castle from the inside, but also visit an exhibition. Admission prices for Rheydt Castle are as follows:
Rheydt Castle Admission Prices
Single Adult Ticket
€6.00
Single Adult Concession Ticket
€4.00
Family Ticket
€12.00
Groups of more than 10 people
€4.00 per participant
Guided Tours of Rheydt Castle, Mönchengladbach
Those who would like to delve deeper into the fascinating historical events of Rheydt Castle around the year 1600 have the opportunity to participate in a guided public tour. This tour also covers significant changes to the Renaissance castle.
The open tours are led by docents with extensive knowledge of the castle. During a one-hour tour, participants can learn a lot about the historic monument while marveling at the magnificent objects.
There are also special open tours for children. This allows children to immerse themselves in the lives of the castle’s lords and ladies and learn about their daily tasks.
If you would like to learn more about Rheydt Castle and the works of art on display after the tour, you should download the “Museum Schloss Rheydt” app to your smartphone, which is available for download from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Open tours of Rheydt Castle are held regularly. Dates can be found at the Rheydt Castle Municipal Museum. Visitors can take part in a free guided tour with museum admission.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Rheydt Castle
What is the significance of Rheydt Castle?
Rheydt Castle in Mönchengladbach is an important Renaissance cultural and historical building. It once served as the residence of the Quadt family and later as an administrative headquarters and museum. Today, it is an important cultural attraction with regular exhibitions, events, and concerts, attracting visitors from the region and beyond.
When was Rheydt Castle built?
Between 1558 and 1591, Rheydt Castle was built by the master builder Maximilian von Pasqualini under the supervision of Otto von Bylandt. Today, the castle belongs to the city of Mönchengladbach and houses a museum that offers visitors an insight into the history and culture of the region.
Who owns Rheydt Castle?
Rheydt Castle belongs to the city of Mönchengladbach.
Rheydt Castle Mönchengladbach – Special Features and Interesting Facts
The present castle was built between 1558 and 1570. Otto von Bylandt commissioned Maximilian Pasqualini to build the castle. The lord of the castle had a rampart with bastions built. A gatehouse and casemates were also requested.
The moat protecting the castle was filled with water from the Niers River. The Italian Renaissance style is reflected both inside and outside the castle. Figurative decorations with Dutch influences can be seen on the facade and in parts of the interior.
Rheydt Castle in Mönchengladbach is the only completely preserved Renaissance-style moated castle in the Rhineland. To access the grounds, you must first pass through the outer bailey. It is a less spectacular building, constructed of brick and topped with a hipped roof.
This is followed by an archway through which visitors to Rheydt Castle enter the inner courtyard of the impressive manor house. One element of the manor house that immediately catches the eye is a loggia, built in the Renaissance style. It features arcades and round arches. Medallions and a distinctive cornice can be admired in the base area.
This is followed by pilasters with high bases. There are also tasteful capitals, a cornice band, and a blind arcade located below the hipped roof. Anyone who observes the Renaissance castle with a trained eye will notice the three-quarter column, which is divided from top to bottom. It is located on the side wing, on the southwest facade. Above it are rectangular windows with pointed gables.
The top floor and the main building, in contrast, are more simply designed. The facade features restrained, rectangular windows below the pointed gable. A cornice band separates the first and second floors. On the southeast facade, there is a round tower, designed in the same way as the rest of the facade.
Anyone who takes a look inside Rheydt Castle will discover Renaissance-style ceilings, flooring, murals, and fireplaces, which were restored during the last renovation and demolition.
But not only Rheydt Castle, but also the surrounding ramparts boast many special features. Those who walk along the circular paths around the ramparts can view the Renaissance castle from various perspectives. Furthermore, visitors can marvel at the diverse natural surroundings.
Between 1994 and 1997, Rose and Gustav Wörner, both landscape architects, designed the grounds surrounding the castle. The grounds, which are significantly different from other parks around castles of the time, have been given new life.
Rheydt Castle does not have a typical garden, nor does it have a landscaped park. During its design, the landscape architects placed great emphasis on preserving the historical surroundings. Therefore, parts of the old avenues can still be found around the Renaissance castle today. Probably the oldest is the Lindenallee, parts of which still exist and date back to the late 16th century.
Historical facts and history of Rheydt Castle in Mönchengladbach
According to archaeologists, there was already a castle on the Niers River in the early Middle Ages. It was only in the late Middle Ages, between 1558 and 1570, that Rheydt Castle acquired the appearance that can still be seen today. The construction work created this castle complex, consisting of a main building, the outer bailey, and the arched gateway.
Renaissance architecture, with a strong Dutch influence, was implemented by Maximilian Pasqualini at the time. The architect commissioned Otto von Bylandt to build the castle. Rheydt Castle already played an important role in the Thirty Years’ War. Count Heinrich von Berg seized Rheydt Castle in 1621.
The Baroque architectural style never found its way into the Renaissance castle. The reason for this was likely inheritance disputes. Rheydt Castle belonged to the Bylandt family and their descendants for almost 300 years, until the feudal status was abolished in 1794.
The following 100 years saw little attention paid to the castle complex. As a result, the entire complex threatened to fall into disrepair. In 1917, the city of Rheydt took over and purchased the complex. The city opened the Rheydt Castle Municipal Museum in 1922.
The building structure was altered in 1940, when the interior of the castle was converted into a guest house. The commission was Joseph Goebbels, the Reich Minister of Propaganda. The changes were planned and executed by the Düsseldorf architect Emil Fahrenkamp. Rheydt Castle continued to be used as a museum without interruption until 1947.
Extensive demolition and restoration work took place until 1993. This allowed the Renaissance architecture to once again emerge in the rooms of the castle. Inside the castle, visitors can marvel at ceilings, fireplaces, murals, and floors that originally formed part of the building’s furnishings.
All areas of the castle are used as a museum. In the manor house, art and culture from the Renaissance period can be admired. The building’s construction history and use are impressively presented in the vaulted cellar. The outer bailey houses temporary exhibitions that explore the town’s history.
Rheydt Castle is an excellent example of the construction of fortresses throughout history. Visitors are vividly confronted with this in the casemates, in particular. Parts of the former fortifications can still be seen. The bastion walls, some of which have been partially restored, demonstrate that Rheydt Castle was well protected from attacks and enemies in the 17th century.
Sights and attractions in the immediate vicinity of Rheydt Castle, Mönchengladbach
On a stroll through Rheydt Castle Park, the peacocks with their bright blue plumage immediately catch the eye.
Sculptures can also be found on the ramparts of Rheydt Castle. If you take a closer look, you’ll discover the fisherman sculpture, rising majestically from its pedestal.
The castle and its outdoor grounds also regularly host exciting events. In addition to castle concerts, markets are held there. There’s the pottery market in July and an arts and crafts market during Advent.
For music lovers, Rheydt Castle offers the so-called “Summer Music” during the summer months. In addition to classical music, there’s also pop music from renowned musicians and artists.
Directly adjacent to the castle grounds is the Volksgarten-Bungtwald-Elschenbruch nature reserve, which is ideal for a stroll. A very beautiful linden avenue connects the palace and the Volksgarten.
Cafés and Restaurants Near Rheydt Castle, Mönchengladbach
After a tour of Rheydt Castle and a leisurely stroll through the grounds, restaurants near the Renaissance castle provide a wonderful place to relax, unwind, and unwind. Guests are offered a variety of culinary delights and delicious drinks.
Purino
If you don’t want to spend a long time looking for a restaurant, you can indulge in food and drinks at Purino, Schlossstraße 508, right next to Rheydt Castle. The kitchen serves Italian, Mediterranean, Central European, and European dishes. In fine weather, the outdoor terrace with a view of the castle invites you to linger and enjoy.
Address: Purino, Schlossstraße 508, 41238 Mönchengladbach
Haus Bresges
A stroll along Schlossstraße inevitably leads past Haus Bresges, located at Schlossstraße 260. A glance at the menu immediately catches the eye with international dishes and drinks. There are Turkish, Italian, and German dishes prepared in the kitchen, along with matching drinks. In summer, you can sit comfortably outside in the beer garden and enjoy the beautiful weather.
Address: Haus Bresges, Schlossstraße 260, 41238 Mönchengladbach
Bolten Landwirtschaft is located at Rheydter Straße 145 in Korschenbroich. The name stands for freshly prepared food and a fine selection of drinks and beers. Guests can sample Bolten’s own beers or craft beer, and indulge in fresh fish, baked pork knuckle, rump steak, or cheese spaetzle from the farm’s kitchen.
Address: Bolten Landwirtschaft, Rheydter Straße 145, 41352 Korschenbroich
Die Schnitzelschmiede
Schnitzel in various variations can be found at the Schnitzelschmiede, located at Dohler Straße 269 in Mönchengladbach. In addition to Wiener Schnitzel, the menu also includes schnitzel baked with tomatoes and cheese, creamed mushroom schnitzel, and Cordon Bleu. A delicious beer, wine, or soft drinks perfectly round off the experience.
Address: Die Schnitzelschmiede, Dohler Straße 269, 41238 Mönchengladbach
At Leo’s Restaurant on Ritterstraße 33, guests are offered home-style cooking. The kitchen staff uses primarily regional and seasonal produce. In addition to beef steak, tasty fried potatoes and delicious tarte flambée are on the menu. Guests can indulge in a wide variety of delicacies in a cozy atmosphere.
Address: Leo’s Restaurant, Ritterstraße 33, 41238 Mönchengladbach