Bucherbach Castle

Bucherbach Castle, locally known as Burg Bucherbach, lies in the village of Köllerbach, in the Saarland region in Germany.

Although Bucherbach Castle was only first mentioned in 1326, it supposedly dates back to the 12/13th century. It secured the rule of the Counts of Saarbrücken in the area and was also the administrative center of the local estates. Originally the castle would have been a tower, defended by a circuit wall and circled by a moat. In the 14th century Philipp I, Count of Nassau-Saarbrücken-Weilburg, had the castle rebuilt and a second tower was added.

In the mid-16th century Bucherbach Castle was again rebuilt, this time by Philip II, Count of Nassau-Saarbrücken. This gave the castle its present layout; a square water castle with 4 round towers at its corners.

During the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) the castle was stormed and severely damaged by imperial troops. It was repaired but subsequently suffered heavily from a fire around 1645. After that it was not rebuilt but continued to be used for agricultural purposes. From then on it slowly deteriorated.

By 1740 Bucherbach Castle was described as dilapidated and roofless. William Henry, Prince of Nassau-Saarbrücken, then gave permission to the locals to use the castle as a quarry for the construction of houses and bridges. This effectively turned the castle into a ruin.

During the 20th century the castle ruin was consolidated twice, something which took place for the last time in 2010.

At present Bucherbach Castle is part of a town park and can freely be visited. A nice castle ruin.

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