Monschau, Medieval municipality in Eifel region, Germany
Monschau is a municipality in the Eifel region of North Rhine-Westphalia, spread along the Rur River at an elevation of 517 meters (about 1700 feet). The old town consists of narrow lanes and half-timbered houses tucked into forested slopes.
The castle emerged around 1198 as a border fortress and became the residence of the dukes of Jülich from 1433 onward. French troops captured the town in 1795, ending ducal rule.
The Red House displays living spaces from the 18th century with original furnishings and textiles from cloth merchants. The Brewery Museum Felsenkeller preserves old brewing equipment and recipes from a century and a half of local beer production.
Over 330 buildings are protected monuments and can be viewed while walking through the narrow streets. The castle above the town offers access to part of the grounds and a view over the rooftops.
In December 1944, the town marked the northernmost point of the front during the Battle of the Bulge. American units held their position here against German advances.
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