Haus Empel, Medieval château ruin in Rees, Germany.
Haus Empel consists of castle ruins positioned on a rectangular island surrounded by moats near the Empeler Meer, a former branch of the Rhine River. The structure displays architectural elements from both medieval and later baroque periods.
First mentioned in 1240 as property of knight Bernard von Rees, the site developed into a castle during the 13th and 14th centuries. A baroque transformation in 1700 left marks visible in the surviving structures today.
The gate posts display Latin numerals MDCC marking 1700, when baroque changes transformed the site's appearance. This detail helps visitors understand how the place evolved through different periods.
The privately owned ruins are not accessible to the public, but visitors can explore surrounding nature trails and the landscape of the Lower Rhine Region. Walking or cycling through the area reveals the waterways and countryside that shape this part of the country.
A four-story main tower called Heidenturm once stood at this location, reaching approximately 30 meters in height with vaulted ceilings inside. This prominent tower disappeared before 1826, yet remains part of the Lower Rhine's building heritage.
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