Festung Jülich

Festung Jülich is a military fortress in Jülich with a distinctive star shape formed by four bastions, thick defensive walls, and a deep surrounding moat. Its interior courtyard displays Renaissance architectural details, while an extensive network of passages and underground tunnels runs beneath the structure.

The fortress was built in the late 1500s using advanced Italian military design principles that represented cutting-edge defense technology of the era. It reflects how fortress design evolved during the Renaissance period and remains a key landmark in the region's development.

The fortress served as a regional power center, and its layout reveals how military life and civilian activities once coexisted within its walls. Visitors can observe how the space was organized to support both defense and daily functions.

Visitors can explore the grounds during daylight hours and should wear comfortable shoes, as there are many stairs and passages to navigate. Guided tours in various languages are available to help interpret the layout and spaces within the fortress.

Below the fortress lies a collection of original drawings and construction plans from the 1500s that show how engineers of that time designed fortifications. This preserved workspace is exceptionally rare to find intact elsewhere in Europe.