Burg Gürzenich, Medieval castle ruins in Düren, Germany
Burg Gürzenich is a medieval castle ruin in Düren with remnants of a polygonal outer fortification, four towers, and a rectangular main building with a round tower on its rear side. The complex sits within an agricultural estate and still shows traces of its former moat system and wall fragments.
The castle was first documented in 1143 and served as the seat of an important noble family. A raid by the Knights of Bachem in 1232 resulted in the extinction of the original owner family.
This site was the ancestral home of the Gürzenich family, whose name was later given to a prominent festival hall in Cologne. Visitors can trace the connection between this location and an important medieval noble dynasty.
The site sits on private agricultural land and is not officially accessible, though the ruins can be viewed from outside. It is worth contacting the landowner beforehand if you wish to explore the complex more closely.
A topographic survey from 1801 to 1814 captures an aerial view of the castle complex before it was demolished in 1830. These historical maps offer a rare glimpse into the structure of the fortress before its complete destruction.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.