Geseke is an old town in North Rhine-Westphalia. It was a member of the Hanseatic League — one of the most important trade organizations in Medieval Europe. In the late Middle Ages Geseke reached its apex.
Unfortunately there’s not much left of that glorious past, although a couple of half-timbered houses give the center of the town some charm.
To get an idea of the size of the medieval town take the footpath that was laid at the exact place where once the town walls stood.
Although Hellweg means “light road” and not “road to hell,” for a lot of women the Hellweg to Geseke was the road to hell. In the 17th century scores of women were burnt on the stake in Geseke. Isn’t it a crux the townspeople still celebrate a Hexenfest, a Witches Festival, every year?
Anyway… The St. Cyriakus Church, the Thoholte house, the baroque church of the Franciscan Monastery, and the Hellweg museum are well worth a visit if you happen to spend some time in this town.
The Eringerfeld Castle (8km from downtown) is worth a detour for two reasons: firstly to visit the International Museum for Folk Textile Art, and secondly to dine and sleep in the castle. The castle has been turned into a luxury hotel and the restaurant offers a “knight menu” that will give you the chance to savor original medieval dishes.
The 17th century baroque castle is one of the most beautiful in this area of Germany. Who would forfeit the chance to eat and sleep like the 18th-century nobility, if only for one day?
