Itlingen Castle

Itlingen CastleCastle or fortress? The historic Itlingen Castle in Ascheberg is a mixture of both.

Castle or palace? This is probably the question most people ask themselves when looking at the old manor house. The historic building is an impressive mixture of both, but today it is best known as Itlingen Castle. The building was first mentioned in documents in the 13th century, but it was not until the 18th century that the famous Baroque master builder Johann Conrad Schlaun completed the complex by extending the right wing with a corresponding tower.

The special thing about the surroundings around Itlingen Castle: Its famous and imposing neighbours. Not far away are Nordkirchen Castle, Vischering Castle and Westerwinkel Castle. A dream for all fans of castles and palaces.

A noble seat with an unclear architectural designation? In the case of Itlingen Castle in the Ascheberg district of Herbern, it is not entirely clear whether one should speak of a castle or a palace. The former seat of the Lords of Herbern can probably be described as an idyllic mixture of both types of building - even if today the designation castle has prevailed.

The first documented mention of the estate dates back to the 14th century. After being owned for a long time by the Lords of Herbern, it came into the possession of the Westphalian noble family of von Nagel by marriage in 1540, who have maintained and cared for the castle to this day. Ferdinand von Nagel had the present castle built. The central wing and the left wing with the round corner tower are among the oldest parts of the building. It was not until the 18th century that the famous Baroque master builder Johann Conrad Schlaun completed the complex by adding the right wing with the corresponding tower.

As early as the 1960s, the castle complex was used as a stud farm, and gradually one of the most important thoroughbred stud farms in Germany was established here. This is particularly due to the internationally renowned show jumper Hermann Freiherr von Nagel, after whom the riding and driving club in Herbern is still named today. There is therefore no free access to the entire grounds - but you can still catch a beautiful view of the supposed Sleeping Beauty Castle. The grounds are privately inhabited and can only be visited on special occasions, such as the Castles and Palaces Day, and during concerts.

• Itlingen Castle is privately owned. It is not possible to visit the interior.
• A visit to the outside of the castle is only possible from the roadside.