ベストヴィヒの洞窟・トップ10

The striking 14th-century Witch Tower is one of the most impressive relics of Rüthen's medieval town fortifications. Despite its name, it did not serve as a site for witch trials, but rather as a prison tower for common criminals for centuries. Today, it houses a compelling exhibition on the history of witch persecution in the Sauerland region – a topic that has particularly shaped Rüthen, as more than one hundred people fell victim to the Inquisition here. The exhibition displays replicas of historical interrogation instruments, highlights individual fates such as that of Grete Eickhoff, and commemorates Friedrich Spee and Michael Stapirus, who spoke out against these cruel practices early on, with a bronze relief. The tower thus combines authentic architecture, regional history, and a poignant reminder to create a truly impressive visitor destination. https://www.nrw-stiftung.de/entdecken/foerderprojekte/hexenturm-ruethen.html

The beautiful property can only be viewed from the outside as it is privately owned.

Beautiful Baroque moated castle from the 18th century.

Very beautiful from the outside, unfortunately not open to the public, it is privately owned.

Scenic tour in colorful autumn in a historical setting

You almost feel like you're back in time and you feel sorry for the innocent victims.

Körtinghausen is owned by the Freiherr von Fürstenberg Foundation. You can drive through the gate into the private property and into the courtyard. Only then can you really admire the beautiful grounds

Witch Tower History The Witch Tower stands on the town wall of Rüthen, the only defensive tower on the town fortifications of Rüthen that has been completely preserved to this day. The Witch Tower contains a witch exhibition that can be visited as part of a city tour. In the 17th century, alleged sorcerers and witches were imprisoned, tortured, convicted and beheaded in this tower. A total of 167 people are said to have been innocently convicted. Rüthen was the first town in North Rhine-Westphalia to rehabilitate these innocents; a bronze relief by Bert Gerresheim on the tower commemorates them.