A stately 43-meter tower, a moat, a castle island with a rose garden – the center of a town couldn't be more picturesque. Diepholz is proud of its castle and lovingly cares for its preservation.
The castle was built at the beginning of the 12th century – as a moated castle with a square floor plan and four wings. The monumental 16.50-meter-high tower base, constructed of granite blocks, dates back to the original construction period (980 to 1030). Above this rises a twelve-sided brick story with a covered parapet. This supports a similarly designed, but recessed, timber-framed upper story, which is crowned by a sweeping, twelve-sided, slate-covered cupola with delicate oriel windows.
Around 1550, Lord Rudolf had the castle completely rebuilt before moving in with Countess Margarete von Hoya. A stone frieze added at that time above the castle's north door displays the coats of arms of the two families of Diepholz and Hoya. During the Thirty Years' War, the moated castle repeatedly proved its worth as a stronghold and fortress. Nevertheless, it was set on fire by Danish troops in 1626 and destroyed down to its foundations by Swedish soldiers in 1637.
Duke Christian Ludwig of Lüneburg-Celle had the castle rebuilt around 1660. Unfortunately, the south wing and parts of the west wing burned down in 1790. The castle tower, as you see it today, dates back to the 1660 reconstruction. The outbuildings acquired their present appearance around 1837 and 1877.
Until 1723, the castle housed the Landdrost (regional administrators), and later the Amtmänner (district administrators) and other ducal officials. It also served the Dukes and Electors of Celle and Hanover as a hunting lodge. In 1852, a district court was established in the castle, which remains there to this day. From 1885 to 1994, the district administration offices were also located in the old Knights' Hall of the west wing.
Along the path around Diepholz Castle stand 36 wooden pillars. The display cases of the 2.80-meter-high stelae tell the story of the origin of the name "Diepholz," the granting of town privileges, the witch trials of the 17th century, the persecution of Jews, immigration, industrialization, plank roads, peat extraction, and, of course, the Diepholz goose. The stele park was created by the Diepholz Local History Association, which also manages the castle museum (formerly located in the castle tower), the rose garden, and events such as the Rose Festival and Count's Sunday. The concept, design, and technical development of the stele path are the work of German designer Martin Metz.
Translated by Google •
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