Giessen Old Castle

Giessen Old Castle was a medieval fortification with a semi-circular ring wall and a deep moat that protected the seat of a powerful family. Today a memorial installation marks the exact location and shape of this former stronghold.

The fortification began in 1152 as the residence of the Lords of Giessen, who served under the powerful Lords of Altena. It played an important role in the city's development and remained significant for several centuries.

The location takes its name from its fortified past and shows where the city's inhabitants sought refuge centuries ago. The uncovered foundations tell of medieval craftsmanship and building techniques that visitors can understand while exploring the site.

The site can be explored on foot easily, as the former castle grounds are open and the memorial clearly shows the outline. It helps to use an information board or sketch on site to fully understand the medieval layout.

The moat system held a substantial amount of water and retained objects from different centuries, giving archaeologists insights into daily life across generations. These findings show how long the location remained important in the city's life, extending well beyond the period when the castle was occupied.