- Schloss Rheydt
Schloss Rheydt, formerly also Schloß Rheydt is one of the grandest renaissance
palace s in the Lower Rhine region ofGermany . Over the years the building has been the family seat of various noble families, most notably the powerfulBylandt-Rheydt dynasty that ruled overRheydt for over 300 years and gave the palace its present look. [ [http://www.schlossrheydt.de/index.php?kat=20_4 Städtisches Museum Schloss Rheydt ] ]History
Origin
Originally a
castle the palace has evolved over the years to become the palace it is today. The castle's first documented mention is in 1180 and was made by theCologne Archbishop Philip I when he mentions revenues that were to be collected from the then castle owner, Lord of Rheydt (Ger. Herr von Rheydt) in his correspondence. The first Lord of the castle mentioned by name is William of Heppendorf (Ger. Wilhelm von Heppendorf).Renaissance
Otto von Bylandt had the existing exterior facade created by Maximilian Pasqualini (1534–1572), son of the renowned italian architectAlessandro Pasqualini . Pasqualini renovated in the style of his father, addingcasemates andbastions and creating a moat around the palace. Pasqualini also considerably renovated the interior by adding fireplaces, statues and various paintings. Most of Pasqualini's work remains in a very good condition.chloss Rheydt Today
Today Schloss Rheydt the only remaining renaissance palace in the Lower Rhine region. Throughout the nineteenth century the palace changed hands many times, however the common owners were unable maintain the palace due to the upkeep costs. Gradually the palace fell into disrepair. The palace was purchased by the town of
Rheydt from the last private owner of the palace in 1917. Since then the palace has undergone some restoration (1988 - 1993). Since the purchase by the town ofRheydt vast parts of Schloss Rheydt have been converted into museum areas and reopened. The palace was awardedEuropean Museum of the Year Award by the European Museum Forum in 1978. An annual mediaeval festival also takes place at Schloss Rheydt. [ [http://www.ritterfest-schloss-rheydt.de/ Ritterfest auf Schloss Rheydt - 1. bis 3. August 2008 ] ]Reference list
Links
* [http://www.schlossrheydt.de/ Städtisches Museum Schloss Rheydt] (German)
* [http://www.schloss-liedberg.de/UMLAND/Schloss_Rheydt_-_von_Ralf_From/schloss_rheydt_-_von_ralf_from.html Palace history]
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