Perched majestically on a steep limestone rock in the heart of Stolberg's old town in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, Burg Stolberg is a captivating fortress that exudes historical charm and architectural splendor. As the emblem and cradle of the city, this castle has witnessed centuries of history and transformation, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and casual tourists alike.
Burg Stolberg's origins trace back to the 12th century when it was constructed by the noble Herren von Stalburg. Its initial purpose was to serve as a stronghold, a testament to its name derived from the Middle High German word stal, meaning firm or steadfast. Over the centuries, the castle underwent numerous transformations, reflecting the turbulent history of the region.
In the mid-15th century, the Dukes of Jülich pledged the then-dilapidated castle to the Lords of Nesselrode, who rebuilt it as an Offenhaus – a fortress open to the duke's troops. By the mid-16th century, Hieronymus von Efferen expanded the castle after it suffered destruction, adding to its grandeur. Through marriage, the castle and its lordship passed to the Reichsfreiherren Raitz von Frentz. However, by the 18th and 19th centuries, the castle had fallen into ruin.
The turning point came in 1863 when the castle entered civilian ownership. The Stolberg manufacturer Moritz Kraus undertook a significant restoration project from 1888, rebuilding the castle in a historicist style. In 1909, Kraus generously gifted the restored castle to the city of Stolberg, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Burg Stolberg's architectural layout is a fascinating blend of medieval and modern elements, spread across four terraced levels that descend towards the Stolberg old town. Predominantly constructed from limestone sourced from nearby quarries, the castle's structures are a testament to the craftsmanship of different eras.
The highest level of the castle complex features the original late-medieval buildings, including the former gun tower, the palas (residential building), two subsidiary towers, the Renaissance courtroom, the upper gatehouse, the west tower, and remnants of the ring wall. The lower levels, developed in the 19th and 20th centuries, include the gatehouse, the lower gatehouse, and the castle house, all situated in the outer bailey and the zwinger (outer ward) areas.
The Great Tower, the tallest structure within the castle, has only three floors despite its imposing height. Its neo-Romanesque round-arched windows, framed in bluestone, and a round-arched frieze marking the boundary between the second floor and the top platform, add to its medieval charm. A spiral staircase and an elevator within the north tower provide access to the upper courtyard, where visitors can find a covered well and the entrance to the palas.
The three-story palas is a highlight of the castle, with a two-story hall-like structure serving as a foyer and staircase on its northern side. The ground floor houses functional rooms such as a cloakroom and restrooms. A staircase at the eastern end leads to a landing, from which further stairs ascend to the first floor of the Great Tower and the second floor of the foyer, offering views through four north-facing windows.
The second floor of the palas houses the impressive Knights' Hall, the largest room in the castle. Featuring three cross windows in the south wall and the original Gothic exterior windows with seating niches on the north side, the Knights' Hall exudes historical grandeur. A door in the west wall leads to the former courtroom, accessible from the second floor of the foyer.
The western flank of the castle is dominated by the three-story Renaissance west tower, crowned with an onion dome. Connected to the courtroom by a covered walkway, the west tower leads to the single-story upper gatehouse. Below the gatehouse, stairs descend to the lower courtyard, providing a picturesque route through the castle grounds.
The gatehouse, completed in 1909, marks the southeastern boundary of the castle complex. Built entirely from rubble stone, its irregular, three-winged layout adapts to the topographical features of the castle rock and the old town. South of the castle, along Luciaweg, lies the lower gatehouse with a courtyard-side covered walkway and a small inner courtyard leading to the castle house. This two-winged building, constructed in the early 20th century, features a half-timbered façade on the courtyard side, adding to its rustic charm.
Below the castle lies a mysterious tunnel system of unknown origin, likely dating from the 16th to 18th centuries. Stretching approximately 150 meters, the tunnels run from a courtyard on Burgstraße to a building on Klatterstraße, beneath the outer bailey. Historically, these tunnels served as cooling rooms for a local brewery and wine storage for Stolberg's gastronomy. During World War II, they were repurposed as air-raid shelters, adding another layer to the castle's storied past.
Today, Burg Stolberg stands as a cultural hub, hosting various events and housing multiple associations. Its cellars feature a gastronomic establishment, while the gatehouse houses a local and craft museum, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of Stolberg. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a scenic spot to explore, Burg Stolberg offers a captivating journey through time and a glimpse into the region's vibrant past.
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