Motte Altenburg, Medieval castle ruins in Jülich, Germany.
Motte Altenburg is a medieval fortified mound in Jülich consisting of an elevated earthen rampart with visible traces of water defenses. Stone foundation walls and a well lined with tuff blocks remain as evidence of the structures that once stood on top.
The fortification emerged in the 12th century during territorial disputes between the Counts of Jülich and the Cologne Archbishopric. It served as a strategic point in the power struggles of that era.
The mound served as a visible symbol of power and control over the surrounding lands during medieval times. Walking around it today, visitors can sense how such elevated fortifications dominated the local landscape.
The site sits near the Rur River and is easily reached on foot from Jülich town center. Access is free and open year-round, though sturdy shoes are recommended due to uneven ground.
Historical maps from the 1800s reveal that the mound was surrounded by a double water moat fed directly from the Rur River. This layered defense system was an advanced protective design for its time.
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