Burg Adorf, Medieval castle ruins in Adorf, Germany
Burg Adorf are the remains of a medieval water castle in central Adorf, with a ring wall and building foundations still visible across the site. The excavated remnants reveal how the living quarters, service buildings, and garden areas were arranged during its occupation.
The fortress was first recorded in 1120 and later became contested territory between the Cologne Archbishopric and the Waldeck Counts. By 1816, significant changes were made when the water-filled moats were drained and filled in.
The settlement itself takes its name from the castle, reflecting how deeply this fortress shaped the identity of the surrounding community. Visitors can see how the structure influenced the layout and development of the town that grew around it.
The site is located in the center of Adorf and is easily accessible on foot from the town center. The ruins are open to visit at any time, and walking through the grounds allows you to explore the different foundation areas and get a sense of the layout.
The Wirme River once supplied the water-filled moats, making this a true water fortress that was difficult to approach. This transformation happened in 1816 when the moats were drained during reconstruction, fundamentally changing its defensive character.
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