Alte Kellnerei

Alte Kellnerei, nestled in the charming town of Rheinberg in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, is a historical gem that has withstood the test of time. This venerable building, the sole surviving structure of the former electoral and archiepiscopal castle, exudes an aura of antiquity and resilience. Constructed in 1573 as an economic building, the Alte Kellnerei has witnessed the ebb and flow of history, enduring destruction, reconstruction, and various functional transformations. Today, it stands proudly as a protected monument, a silent witness to the rich tapestry of Rheinberg's past.

The Historical Tapestry of Alte Kellnerei

The origins of Rheinberg date back to 1003, when it was first mentioned in historical records. By the 11th century, the town had come under the possession of the Archbishops of Cologne. Fast forward to 1233, when Archbishop Heinrich von Molenark granted Rheinberg its city rights, paving the way for the construction of city fortifications. Initially made of wood, these defenses were later reinforced with basalt in the late 13th century. Around the same time, in 1293, the construction of the electoral castle and the Zollturm, known as the Pulverturm, began northeast of the city center.

The castle, surrounded by a moat, featured four towers and two drawbridges. The main bridge led to the city, while the other connected to auxiliary buildings. It was in this setting that the Kellnerei was built in 1573, serving as a grain storage facility for the revenues of the Rheinberg office. The western part of the building was used as a stable, and it initially housed Salentin von Isenburg. However, the tranquility of the Kellnerei was shattered in October 1598, during the Siege of Rheinberg by Spanish forces under Francisco de Mendoza. An explosion in the Pulverturm caused extensive damage to the city and the castle, leaving only parts of the Kellnerei and one tower intact.

Rebirth and Transformation

Despite the devastation, the Alte Kellnerei rose from the ashes. Reconstruction efforts began in 1627, leading to significant modifications. The western section was expanded to two and a half stories, serving as the residence for the local bailiff and cellarer, as well as other archiepiscopal officials and fortress governors. Larger windows were added, and the eastern part was converted into an armory with two floors. A massive gable wall separated the two sections. During this period, the grounds of the Kellnerei also hosted the city's bleaching fields, used for both civilian and military purposes, including soldier exercises and temporary accommodations.

The French occupation of the Lower Rhine in the late 18th century marked another turning point for the Kellnerei. In 1794, the heirs of the last cellarer, Johann Franz Goebel, purchased the building from the French government, transferring it into private ownership. The subsequent century saw multiple owners and varied uses for the structure. On May 1, 1911, a private higher girls' school opened in the Alte Kellnerei. During a construction phase of the district court building between 1914 and 1916, the Kellnerei also served as a temporary courthouse and prison.

Surviving Adversity

The Kellnerei faced another trial on October 21, 1917, when a fire broke out in the eastern part of the building. Fueled by stored hay and straw, the blaze quickly spread, destroying half of the structure. By 1924, the damaged section was rebuilt with a flatter roof, repurposed as a barn. In 1926, the Städtische Höhere Mädchenschule St. Barbara-Garten, founded in 1785, moved into the building, only to leave four years later.

During World War II, the Alte Kellnerei provided communal housing for impoverished families from Rheinberg. Each household had a single source of warmth, relying on coal fires for heating, with a coal cellar for storage. In 1979, the city of Rheinberg acquired the Kellnerei, and in September 1984, it was officially listed as a protected monument.

A New Era of Preservation

The late 20th century ushered in an era of restoration and preservation for the Alte Kellnerei. In 1987, extensive restoration and maintenance work began, culminating in September 1994. Today, the building serves a variety of public functions, housing the private Rheinberg Music School, the city archive, and spaces for events and exhibitions.

Architectural Marvel

The Alte Kellnerei is a two-story brick building, with a rich architectural history reflected in its design. A 17th-century copper engraving depicts it as a single-story structure with a central transverse building. According to art historian and monument conservator Paul Clemen, the ground floor originally featured a central entrance and several side rooms. Northern windows had side seats, and above a now-nonexistent northern door, the year 1573 was inscribed. Ornamental decorations from the original Renaissance building have survived, including some carved stones with heads.

The ground floor boasts colorful wooden beam ceilings from the 17th century, unique in the Rhineland but typical of 16th and 17th-century interior design in the Lower Rhine region. Other ceilings in the building, made of poplar wood, are painted in red, blue, green, and light gray, with accompanying stripes. A particularly striking room features vine and secco paintings, likely used for representative purposes. The colorful ceiling fresco on a white background includes leaf and flower vines, pomegranates, and animal motifs such as squirrels, birds, and lion heads. A strip of the late 18th-century secco wall painting, applied to dry plaster, remains intact. In contrast, the walls of the Alte Kellnerei were simply whitewashed.

In conclusion, the Alte Kellnerei in Rheinberg is more than just a building; it is a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of a community. Its walls tell stories of destruction and rebirth, of changing functions and ownership, and of a steadfast commitment to preservation. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to the Alte Kellnerei offers a fascinating glimpse into the past and a celebration of heritage that continues to inspire.