Burg Kleinvernich, Water castle in Weilerswist, Germany.
Burg Kleinvernich is a four-winged water castle surrounded by a complete moat in Weilerswist. The complex sits at about 120 meters (394 feet) elevation near the Erft River and consists of stone buildings arranged around an inner courtyard.
The castle first appears in records in 1610 when the Lords of Gürtzgen owned it. A major reconstruction happened in 1781 after the building had fallen into disrepair.
The site reveals how nobility and farming communities shared the same spaces over centuries. Walking around, you notice the blend of residential quarters with agricultural buildings, showing how daily life was organized.
The castle functions as an active farm today, where residents maintain the historic buildings while running agricultural operations. Visitors should be respectful since this is a working property, not a museum, and much of the grounds are private.
The main entrance displays carved stone coats of arms that still speak to its past as a knight's residence. This rare stonework shows how wealthy and well-connected the original owners must have been.
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