Burg Bachem, Medieval water castle in Frechen, Germany
Burg Bachem is a medieval water castle in Frechen consisting of a main structure and an outer fortified area surrounded by a water moat. A stone bridge connects the two sections and provides the main means of access to the complex.
The castle was founded around 1250 and originally had a residential tower. After its destruction in 1583 during the Truchsessian War, it was rebuilt and has maintained its basic structure ever since.
The castle shows how local fortress traditions shaped living spaces and remains inhabited today, connecting past and present ways of life. Visitors can see this continuity in preserved timber framing and traditional ceiling designs that reflect how people built and occupied such structures.
The castle sits on wooden posts and underwent renovation in 2018, making it well-maintained today. Access is via the stone bridge, and visitors should note it remains a private residence with limited public viewing opportunities.
The castle rests on wooden posts rather than solid ground, an unusual engineering choice that has endured for centuries despite the wet environment. This foundation method demonstrates innovative medieval construction in challenging terrain.
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