Alte Burg

The Alte Burg is situated on a hill spur northeast of the town centre in Dermbach, Germany, within the county of Euskirchen in 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.
• There were at least two periods of construction, with a motte in the northeast section of 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. There were at least two periods of construction, with a motte in the northeast section of the site.

Architecture

The Alte Burg is a circular rampart, approximately 300 metres long and 80 metres wide, excluding the outworks. The highest section of the site features a rubble stone foundation of a round tower that has survived to this day. A silver coin bearing the image of Louis the Pious was reportedly found on the site in the 19th century, although it has not survived.

Current Status and Use

The castle remains as ruins, with archaeological investigations conducted in 1972 uncovering shards of pottery from the 9th century with decorations (Rollrädchenverzierung).

Heritage Status

The defences dating to the 9th century have been designated as a protected monument.

Visiting Information

Visitors can access the Alte Burg by visiting the address Zum Ibengarten. The site is open to the public and offers a glimpse into the region's rich history.

Notable Features and Rooms

The rubble stone foundation of a round tower remains at the highest section of the site, providing a notable feature of the castle.