Burg Niederzier

Welcome to Burg Niederzier, a beautiful water castle located in Niederzier, Kreis Düren in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. This castle has a rich history that dates back to the 13th century. The castle was originally owned by a ministerial family from Jülich, and the first recorded member of this family was Heinrich von Zier in 1226. Other notable members include Kölner Chorbischof Conrad von Cirne in 1269. While it is uncertain if the family members mentioned until the mid-15th century were related to the original owners of the castle, more detailed information about the castle's history emerged in the early 16th century. In 1526, Jakob and Maria Bock von Pattern sold their share of the castle and estate to Arnold von Hochsteden and his wife Katharina Bock, who was Maria's aunt. After Arnold's death during the siege of Düren in 1543, his widow sold Niederzier to Katharina Bock, who was born von Hatzfeld. It is believed that the older parts of the outer bailey also belonged to the castle during this time. The castle was burned down by the French in 1674, but the main house was rebuilt in 1698 and the outer bailey was reconstructed in 1765. The castle remained in the possession of the von Hochsteden family until the death of Countess Josina von Hochsteden in 1848. Her father, Count Ferdinand, had died in 1793, which marked the end of the male line of the family. After the division of the estate, Niederzier briefly passed to the Freiherren von Dalwigk before being sold to the Schmill family. Today, visitors can explore the castle's rich history and enjoy its stunning architecture. The castle's main house and outer bailey have been beautifully restored, and visitors can take a guided tour to learn more about the castle's history and the families who lived there. The castle also hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including concerts, exhibitions, and festivals. If you're interested in exploring the surrounding area, there are plenty of other attractions nearby. The town of Niederzier is home to several historic churches and buildings, including the St. Martinus Church and the Alte Mühle (Old Mill). The nearby city of Düren is also worth a visit, with its charming old town and numerous museums and galleries. Overall, Burg Niederzier is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, or culture. With its rich history and stunning surroundings, it's sure to be a highlight of any trip to North Rhine-Westphalia.

Location: Niederzier

Address: Rathausstraße 2-8

Source: Wikimedia