Bentheim is the largest fortification in the state of Lower Saxony. The location now occupied by the Bentheim castle has a long history as a defended community as far back as the glory days of the Holy Roman Empire.With a history mentioned at least as far back as the 8th century and a state of restoration that is the envy of many other sites, Bentheim can, in one visit to one castle tell you much about the Middle Ages, at least as lived by nobles.

The Magazine Keep (Donjon) is one of the most impressive in Germany, with a base wall of 16.4 feet thick. Bentheim is one of the few castles that housed an actual torture chamber.

The steps in the photo at left lead into the torture chamber.