Of Knights, Castles and Intrigue in the Middle Ages – Ruhr

Ruhr is the European Capital of Culture in 2010.  However, back in the Middle Ages it had a greater number of castles than most other regions and was the scene of of many feuds, power struggles and battles.

The LWL Museum for Archaeology in Herne is currently hosting AufRuhr 1225 – an exhibition of Knights, Castles and Intrigue in the Middle Ages.  A collection of approximately 1,000 exhibits from national and international museums recollect the times of knights and castles, murders and feuds, turbulent power struggles and triumphs, robber barons and nobles.  Some of the events had far-reaching consequences and changed the course of history –  such as the murder of the Archbishop of Cologne, Engelbert I, in 1225.  Castles were burned down, members of the aristocracy were executed and the region was left desolate through innumerable conflicts.

Visitors to the museum can take a closer look at the criminal case of the Archbishop’s murder. Exhibits recount the lives and ultimate death of the Archbishop and his rival Frederick of Isenberg.

AufRuhr 1225 is the largest medieval exhibition ever to be shown in the region and the exhibition will hopefully generate more interest in the history of the area. In an exhibition space of more than 1,500 square metres are magnificent items of international stature which shed light on the many facets of the Middle Ages in the Ruhr.

In conjunction with AufRuhr, there’s also an outdoor programme in eleven castles and palaces in the region.  Not to forget, Ruhr is the European Capital of Culture in 2010 so there’ll be lots of events and festivals happening in the region.

Exhibition: Auf1225 (27.02.2010 – 28.11.2010)
LWL Museum for Archaeology
Westfälisches Landesmuseum
Europaplatz 1
44623 Herne
Tel: 02323 94628-24 and -0
www.aufruhr1225.de