Blens Castle, Medieval castle in Heimbach, Germany.
Blens Castle is a medieval fortress that rises on a hilltop above the River Rur in the Eifel region. The structure features a quadrangular layout with residential buildings made from rubble stone and a two-storey manor house, its courtyard paved with historic river pebbles.
Construction began around 1100, with the first documented mention appearing in a seal of Johannes de Blens from the 12th century. The family maintained the property over centuries, adapting it to changing needs until it took on its present form.
The name comes from the Blens family, who shaped the property across generations. Visitors can still see how the family displayed their power through architectural choices, from thick walls to well-proportioned rooms.
The castle sits on a hilltop near Heimbach, offering clear sightlines across the Rur valley to visitors and hikers. Wear comfortable shoes, as access involves climbing hilly paths, and the surrounding landscape invites further exploration.
A 1723 document, the Welser Codex, depicts the castle with a triangular outer ward and stepped gables, suggesting significant architectural changes occurred. This historical illustration differs noticeably from the structure today, raising questions about how parts of it were rebuilt or simplified over time.
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