Burg Vilzelt, Medieval castle in Unkel, Germany
Burg Vilzelt is a castle in Unkel featuring stone walls, water moats, and defensive structures from the Middle Ages. The architecture displays typical fortification elements of that era and remains in private ownership today.
The castle was first documented in 1290 when Arnold of Unkel transferred it to the Teutonic Order. It later became a residence for the archbishops of Cologne and passed through various ownerships over the centuries.
The coat of arms displayed above the entrance belongs to Prince Hesso Leopold Heinrich of Leiningen and Countess Marie-Louise Agathe von Nesselrode-Ehreshoven, reflecting the noble families who shaped this place. These heraldic symbols show how aristocratic connections shaped the character of the residence over time.
The castle is in private ownership and not open to visitors. You can view the exterior from nearby public areas while walking around Unkel.
In 1953, the castle returned to its original family line through purchase by Baron Markwart von Sobeck-Werder after more than 450 years under the Nesselrode family. This transaction marked an unusual reconnection to earlier ownership patterns in the region.
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