Genovevaburg

Genovevaburg rises on a hilltop at the southwestern edge of Mayen and displays Gothic architecture with a prominent stone tower called the Golo Tower. The fortress is enclosed by thick walls and houses the Eifelmuseum inside, with rooms documenting regional history and mining practices.

The fortress was founded in 1280 by Archbishop Heinrich von Finstingen to secure church power in the region. After its destruction in 1689 during regional conflicts, it was rebuilt multiple times and now serves as a museum.

The Eifelmuseum housed within the fortress displays exhibitions about regional geology and mining traditions that shaped people's lives here for centuries. Visitors can see how closely the castle's story intertwines with the development of the surrounding landscape.

The site is most easily reached on foot from Mayen's city center, though the hilltop location means steep walking paths to reach the fortress. Audio guides in several languages assist exploration, and visitors can view underground tunnel sections showing ancient mining techniques.

The castle's name comes from a medieval legend about Genevieve of Brabant, who allegedly lived on this hill. This romantic tale kept the fortress known for centuries, though historians find little evidence to support the story.