Alte Kellnerei, building in Rheinberg, Germany
The Alte Kellnerei is a brick building from the late 1500s in Rheinberg, featuring two floors and painted interior decorations. Inside, rooms showcase 17th-century ceiling artwork with animal and plant designs, plus 18th-century wall paintings that remain visible to visitors today.
Built in 1573 as part of a castle belonging to the Cologne archbishops, the building was destroyed in a 1598 explosion but later repaired. It subsequently served as a grain storage facility, private school for girls, courthouse, and residence before becoming a protected monument in 1984.
The building's name refers to its original role managing supplies and finances for local authorities. Over centuries, it transitioned from administrative offices to a school, courthouse, and community center, reflecting changing social needs and the town's evolution.
The building is open to the public and houses the city archive where visitors can learn about Rheinberg's history, plus a model of the town center to help plan walking tours. Tours are scheduled through the city's website and should be arranged in advance.
This is the only surviving building from the medieval castle of Rheinberg, which was largely destroyed in a 1598 explosion. Its survival makes it a rare physical link to the region's medieval town layout and castle infrastructure.
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