Alte Burg

The Alte Burg is situated in Buch, Germany, within the county of Euskirchen in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Location

• The refuge castle acted as a place of retreat for the local population and as protection for the daughter monastery of Prüm Abbey.
• The defences dating to the 9th century have been designated as a protected monument, with at least two periods of construction occurring on the site.

History

• The refuge castle acted as a place of retreat for the local population and as protection for the daughter monastery of Prüm Abbey.
• The defences dating to the 9th century have been designated as a protected monument, with at least two periods of construction occurring on the site.

Architecture

The Alte Burg is a circular rampart that has survived from the Carolingian period. It measures 300 metres in length and 80 metres in width, excluding the outworks. A motte lies in the northeast section of the site. The highest section features a rubble stone foundation of a round tower, which has withstood the test of time.

Layout

The castle's layout is characterized by its circular design, with the rampart forming the outer boundary. The inner area is likely to have been used for defensive purposes, given the fortification's purpose as a refuge and protection for the local population.

Historical Significance

The Alte Burg holds historical significance due to its association with the Carolingian period and its role in protecting the daughter monastery of Prüm Abbey. The discovery of shards of pottery from the 9th century during archaeological excavations has provided valuable insights into the site's past.

Current Status and Use

The castle is currently a ruin, with parts of the site having been archaeologically investigated in 1972. The site remains protected as a Geotop, a designation that recognizes its geological significance.

Heritage Status

The Alte Burg has been designated as a protected monument, reflecting its historical and cultural importance.

Visiting Information

Visitors can access the Alte Burg by visiting the town of Buch in Germany. The castle's address is HAS 54.

Notable Features and Rooms

Notable features include the rubble stone foundation of a round tower, which has survived from the Carolingian period. The site also features shards of pottery from the 9th century with decorations (Rollrädchenverzierung), discovered during archaeological excavations in 1972.