Schlosskapelle Herten

Located in the charming town of Herten in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, Schlosskapelle Herten stands as a testament to both architectural beauty and historical significance. Nestled within the grounds of Herten Castle, this chapel has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and casual tourists alike.

The History of Schlosskapelle Herten

The story of Schlosskapelle Herten begins not in Herten, but in Gelsenkirchen-Bismarck. Originally, this chapel was part of Schloss Grimberg, dating back to the 14th century. Founded by Wennemar von Grimberg in 1328, the chapel was initially a place of worship and remembrance for him and his wife. Over the centuries, it underwent numerous transformations. Around 1560, the then-owner Heinrich Knipping renovated the chapel's interior in the Renaissance style and added a grand altar. In 1733, after a devastating fire, Johann Hermann Franz von Nesselrode commissioned the renowned architect Johann Conrad Schlaun to redesign the entire Schloss Grimberg complex, including the chapel. By 1738, it had been converted back into a Catholic chapel, complete with a new church for the Protestant community outside the castle grounds.

In 1907, the Grimberg family sold Schloss Grimberg to the Gelsenkirchen Mining Company. To save the deteriorating chapel from ruin, the family decided to move it to their Herten estate. In 1908, the chapel was painstakingly dismantled stone by stone and reassembled on the Herten Castle grounds. The move included the chapel's crypt, which contained the remains of clergy and family members. These remains were later reinterred in the Nesselrode family crypt.

Schlosskapelle Herten During and After World War II

Schlosskapelle Herten did not escape the ravages of World War II unscathed. Large portions of the chapel were damaged or destroyed during the conflict. The post-war years were not kind to the chapel either, as neglect and mining-related subsidence caused further deterioration. It wasn't until 1974, when the Landschaftsverband Westfalen-Lippe took over the entire castle complex, that serious restoration efforts began. By 1980, the chapel was once again open to the public.

In the years following its restoration, the chapel was used by the Greek Orthodox community of Herten until 2004. Today, it serves as a venue for events organized by the Protestant pastoral care team at the LWL Clinic, which now occupies the castle grounds. The chapel is regularly open to visitors, and it is a popular location for weddings and baptisms.

Architectural Marvels of Schlosskapelle Herten

Schlosskapelle Herten is a Gothic-style brick building with a white exterior and pointed arch windows. The chapel's longitudinal sides and choir are supported by low buttresses, and its slate roof is adorned with a small steeple topped by a cross. The entrance porch on the chapel's gable front is not part of the original Gothic structure; it was added during a later renovation and bears the date 1747, likely marking the completion of Schlaun's redesign work. The freestanding portal at the entrance to the chapel grounds also comes from Schloss Grimberg and was designed by Schlaun in 1735. It has stood in its current location since the 1960s.

The Interior of Schlosskapelle Herten

The interior of Schlosskapelle Herten features a three-aisled hall with two bays, supported by columns and wall consoles. The choir has a single bay and a 5/8 apse. The baroque interior, dating from the 18th century, includes pieces designed by Johann Conrad Schlaun. The choir stalls, altar, and tabernacle were crafted by the renowned Münster carpenter Schild, and the altarpiece, depicting the Virgin Mary with Child, Saint Joseph, and Saint Francis, was painted by Münster artist Johann Anton Kappers. The painting was restored in 1939 by Karlsruhe artist Wilhelm Vetter and is flanked by wooden statues of the Archangel Michael and Saint Anthony of Padua.

At the ends of the side aisles are epitaphs for Bertram von Nesselrode and his wife Lucia von Hatzfeld, as well as Bertram's parents, Franz von Nesselrode and Anna Maria von Wylich. These epitaphs were created by Johann Mauritz Gröninger from Baumberg sandstone in 1680/81 and were originally part of the old Herten parish church, which was replaced by a new building between 1882 and 1885. The tombstones of Heinrich Knipping and Sybilla von Nesselrode, also relocated from Schloss Grimberg, feature nearly full-figure sculptures of the couple. Heinrich is depicted in a grand armor, while Sybilla is dressed in the fashion of her time.

In conclusion, Schlosskapelle Herten is not just a chapel but a repository of centuries of history and art. Its journey from Gelsenkirchen to Herten, its survival through wars and neglect, and its eventual restoration and continued use make it a symbol of resilience and cultural heritage. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a serene and beautiful place to visit, Schlosskapelle Herten offers a unique and enriching experience.