Schloss Werl

Schloss Werl, nestled in the charming town of Werl in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, stands as a testament to centuries of history, albeit now in a state of picturesque ruin. This once-majestic fortress, steeped in tales of power and resilience, continues to intrigue visitors with its rich past and the enduring strength of its stone walls.

The History of Schloss Werl

The story of Schloss Werl begins on December 10, 1519, when Hermann V of Wied, the Archbishop of Cologne and Duke of Westphalia, decreed its construction. Unlike the earlier 10th-century Werl Castle, which met its demise in 1288, Schloss Werl was built anew, becoming a vital part of the town's fortifications. Completed in 1522, it served as a residence for the archbishops during their visits and was a stalwart defender of the town, housing a garrison of around 100 soldiers.

The castle's strategic importance was highlighted in 1586 when, despite the town's capture, the fortress held strong. However, the Seven Years' War (1756–1763) inflicted severe damage, leading to its gradual decline. By 1816, ownership had passed to the Prussian state, and plans for renovation were abandoned in favor of demolition in 1825. The stones found new life paving the road to Hamm, while the remaining ruins were sold in 1828 to a Mr. von Lilien, who transformed the site into a brewery.

Exploring the Ruins

Today, the remnants of Schloss Werl offer a fascinating glimpse into its storied past. The once-grand fortress boasted a 50 by 50-meter courtyard, surrounded by imposing walls approximately 11 meters high and 4.7 meters thick. Four corner towers, with diameters ranging from 12 to 24 meters, provided optimal defense. The surviving tower, though missing its battlements, still rises 14 meters above the water-filled moat that once encircled it.

The so-called Rittersaal (Knight's Hall) was originally situated on the first floor of the tower. Over time, seven meters of earth accumulated around the structure, making the hall accessible at ground level today. This circular room, 8.7 meters in diameter and 6.6 meters high, was where the castle's lord commanded his troops. The walls, punctuated by arrow slits, speak of its martial past, while a fireplace, refurbished in 1840, adds a touch of domesticity.

Secrets Beneath the Surface

Below the Rittersaal, the castle's cellars tell their own story. These spaces, once the ground floor, include a large circular room directly beneath the Rittersaal, standing 3.8 meters high. A supply shaft, used for provisioning soldiers above, remains a testament to the castle's defensive ingenuity. Adjacent to this room are storage halls, 6 meters high and 4 meters wide, leading to a breach in the wall that opens into the former moat.

The preserved square vault, once part of the palatial quarters for visiting prince-bishops, offers a glimpse into the castle's more opulent past. This space, originally the ground floor and 6.5 meters high, features a central pillar supporting the vaulted ceiling. Though the floor has been raised by three meters, a staircase descends to the original level, where a blocked passage hints at further secrets waiting to be uncovered.

The Legacy of Schloss Werl

While the grandeur of Schloss Werl may have faded, its legacy endures. The Ursuline nuns of Werl took over the ruins and surrounding grounds in 1888, preserving what remains of this once-formidable fortress. Today, visitors can wander through the site, imagining the bustling life that once filled its halls and the strategic maneuvers plotted within its walls.

Schloss Werl, though a shadow of its former self, continues to captivate those who explore its ruins. It stands as a poignant reminder of the region's tumultuous history, a symbol of resilience and adaptation through the ages. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply a curious traveler, a visit to Schloss Werl offers a unique journey into the past, where echoes of knights and bishops linger among the stones.