Schallenburg, Water castle in Schwadorf district, Brühl, Germany.
Schallenburg is a water castle in Brühl featuring a rectangular two-story main building with five axes of plastered brickwork and round three-story corner towers on opposite sides. A three-wing outer bailey with stepped gables connects to the main structure, completing the medieval ensemble.
The castle originated in the 12th century and received its current form through major renovations in 1694 under the von Schall zu Bell family. These changes shaped the architecture visible today.
The water castle reflects Rhineland building traditions, where the defensive layout with its moat provided both residential comfort and strategic safety. Visitors can still observe how the architecture merged protection with daily living.
The property remains private today and is not open to visitors, so you can only view it from the outside. The protective fence allows you to see the facade and towers from a distance.
The stepped gables of the outer bailey show a rare blend of medieval and early modern style elements. This architectural mix is uncommon in the region.
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