Donsbrüggen is a village in the German municipality of Kleef, with about 1500 inhabitants and covers an area of 445 hectares. Donsbrüggen passes through the road B9, which carries the name Kranenburgerstraat and Tiergartenstraat. This road runs from the Dutch border crossing Beek-Ubbergen / Wyler via Kranenburg and Kleef and ends in Bienwald at the French border. The distance to the center of Kleef is about 4 kilometers. Donsbrüggen has a village character with buildings on both sides of the B9. On the south side of this road lies the Reichswald. Partly, the village was built on this side against the endmore, which remained in the ice age. On the north side, the territory of Donsbrüggen extends into the flat and low-lying region called De Duffelt and the lowlands of the Rhine. The center of the village is formed by the Catholic Church of Saint Lambert, the school and the festival area.
HistoryThe origin of Donsbrüggen lies in the early Middle Ages, 100 meters southwest of the church, one found graves from the 6th century. In 1448, Donsbrüggen with the Saint Lambert church became an independent parish. Sights Catholic Church Saint Lambert
The medieval Roman church of Donsbrüggen was broken down in 1854 and replaced by a neo-Gothic church designed by the architect of the Cologne cathedral: Ernst Friedrich Zwirner. The neo-Gothic décor was largely removed in 1960. The northern arm of the cross-ship was enlarged in 1961. Above the entrance hall is the weapon of Baron Von Hövell placed. This baron financed the construction of the church to a significant extent. His grave is located in the graveyard next to the church. Mill of Donsbrüggen Mill of Donsbrüggen
In 1824 the octagonal Donsbrüggen wooden tower mill was operated at a height of 20 meters. Around the mill is a grounded shore. The mill has a 21 meter diameter bilaucle or venturi. In 1890 a steam engine was placed in the mill. This was postponed after the Second World War.
In the fifties of the 20th century the mill was restored. Since 1982, the association has been called 'Förderkreises Alte Mühle Donsbrüggen' dedicated to operating and maintaining the mill. For example, guided tours are made and bread is made. Slot Gnadenthal Slot Gnadenthal
Close to the village is Slot Gnadenthal from the early 18th century, where Anacharsis Cloots is born. In this place until the settlement of the monastery Gnadenthal until 1603, that monastery was moved to Uedem. The castle was held by the family Von Hövell in the early 19th century. This family converted the castle into classical style. Now this slot is in use as a conference hotel. War Crimes
On the Donsbrügger Heide, after the Second World War, a war cemetery was established for slaughtered German soldiers and civil war victims. Gallery 51° 48′ NB, 6° 5′ OL
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