Ringwall Venne, Medieval castle ruins in Kottenforst, Germany
Ringwall Venne is a medieval castle site located in a forest area near Bonn. The site consists of an oval earthen rampart with ditch-like enclosures on its sides and shows the ground plans of residential buildings that once stood within the fortification.
The site was established in the early Middle Ages, likely in the 10th century, as protection against external threats. It remained occupied for several centuries before being abandoned and gradually reclaimed by the surrounding forest.
The name Ringwall refers to the circular earthen rampart arrangement that remains visible in the landscape today. Visitors can trace the oval outline of the wall that once enclosed the medieval settlement, still shaping the forest's character.
The site lies along several hiking trails in Kottenforst and is best reached on foot. Good footwear and time for exploration are recommended, as the archaeological structures are subtly embedded within the forest landscape.
The fortification displays a rare building form with rounded corners, seldom seen in the region. This distinctive construction method makes this site an important example of early medieval defensive architecture specific to the area.
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