Kerpen Castle

Kerpen Castle, locally known as Burg Kerpen, lies above the village of Kerpen, in the Rhineland-Palatinate region in Germany.

Kerpen Castle was probably built in the second part of the 12th century by Sigibertus or his son Heinrich I de Kerpene. 

A Theodorich III von Kerpen is mentioned as owner of the castle in 1299. The castle was then inherited by his sons and it became a so-called Ganerbenburg; a castle where several parts were owned by different family members. In 1448 Wilhelm II von Sombreff bought out his other family members and became sole owner of the castle. In later centuries the castle went to the Von Manderscheid-Schleiden family through marriage.

In 1794 the French took possession of the area and seized the castle. In 1804 the French administration sold Kerpen Castle to the local council to be demolished. By that time it was already in a ruined state. In 1893 the remains were cleared of debris, consolidated and the present house was built. Also the keep was fitted with new crenelations.

During the 20th century the castle had several owners who all carried out repairs. It was used as a residence and a holiday home.

At present Kerpen Castle is private property. Since 2015, after it had been standing empty for a year, it is used to house Syrian refugees. So the castle can not be visited at the moment. A picturesque castle.

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