Burg Kendenich, Medieval castle in Kendenich, Germany.
Burg Kendenich is a moated castle with a three-winged outer bailey opening south onto a square manor house. The manor house, built 1660–1664, has a slate hipped roof with a central onion-dome cupola and small corner turrets; a stone bridge leads to its north entrance. The outer bailey's east wing dates from 1667, while the north and west wings were added in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Before the medieval castle was built, a Roman villa rustica stood at this location, as revealed by archaeological investigations. The fortress itself developed over centuries into the structure visible today.
The name Kendenich derives from the early medieval "Cantinich", first recorded in 941 when Archbishop Wichfrid granted the tithes of the manor to the Cäcilienstift in Cologne. The von Kempis family, owners from 1821, supported the neighbouring church of St. Johann Baptist and were buried at the west side of the outer bailey, directly by the churchyard wall.
The castle remains privately owned and functions as a residence following extensive renovations in the 1980s. Visitors should note that access is limited and the property is best viewed from the exterior.
The bridge to the manor house was once flanked by four seated lions bearing the coats of arms of the de Groote and zum Pütz families; two stood at its start, two at its end guarding the shields. The 1842 classicist entrance portal carries the Groote-Kempis alliance coat of arms above it.
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