Schloss Moers

Schloss Moers, known locally as Moerser Schloss, stands as the oldest known building in the charming town of Moers, located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. This stately castle, with its rich history and captivating architecture, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the past. Nestled between Kastellplatz and the city park, the castle is not just a historical monument but also a vibrant cultural hub, housing the Grafschafter Museum and the city theater.

The Origins of Schloss Moers

The earliest structure of Schloss Moers dates back to around 1200. The original edifice was a square tower constructed from tuff stone, a volcanic rock commonly found in the Eifel region. This material is believed to have originated from the former Roman camp in Asciburgium. The tower, with sides measuring approximately seven meters, stood as a formidable presence. Though the tower’s height remains a mystery due to the loss of its upper sections, its remnants can still be seen in the castle courtyard, buried several meters underground.

Over time, the castle evolved significantly. In the 13th century, the lords of the castle built a ring-shaped mound around the tower to support additional structures on the marshy ground. The original tower was likely demolished to its ground floor and used to fill the mound. This mound was encircled by a robust ring wall, around three meters thick and twelve meters high, constructed from recycled Roman bricks, possibly also from Asciburgium. This ring wall is among the oldest surviving brick structures in the Rhineland.

Development Through the Ages

The earliest known depiction of the town and castle dates back to 1580, showing a medieval structure with a west wing as the main building, flanked by north and south towers. This drawing, recreated by the Moers riding master Arnold van Heurdt in the 17th century, illustrates the castle’s defensive features, including a battlement that now serves as a corridor in the existing building.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, the castle's defenses were enhanced with outer walls to protect against cannon fire. These walls later formed the foundation for the castle’s expansion, including the addition of a grand knight’s hall. The north tower was replaced with the current entrance tower, transforming the ring wall castle into a more representative and comfortable structure befitting the Counts of Moers’ status.

By 1591, the castle had evolved into a complex of interconnected buildings forming a square. Despite descriptions suggesting a round or polygonal shape, most structures had steep roofs covered with tiles. The castle was surrounded by a moat and additional fortifications, including walls and bastions, creating a formidable defensive system.

Fortifications and Changes

Following the capture of the town by Maurice of Orange, the castle was fortified with five bastions between 1601 and 1604. The town of Moers was similarly fortified from 1610 to 1620, adopting the old Dutch system developed during the Dutch Revolt. The castle and town were now well-defended, with the star-shaped moat still visible in aerial views today.

A 1663 drawing shows the castle and town in plan view, highlighting Moers as an impregnable fortress if defended diligently. However, the fortifications were dismantled in 1763 by order of Frederick II of Prussia after the Seven Years' War. The moat between the castle and town was filled in, and the castle was repurposed as a royal office building.

Modern Era and Restoration

By 1765, the castle was in a dilapidated state, though its basic structure remained intact. In 1802, it was described as a ruinous building with no windows and only an entrance door. The eastern part of the castle was demolished, and a windmill and residential house were planned but never completed due to ownership disputes. In 1810, the castle was sold to Friedrich Wintgens, a prominent textile entrepreneur in Moers, who transformed the grounds into gardens and parkland. The inner fortifications were removed, and the courtyard was planted with trees.

In 1905, the town of Moers acquired the castle and converted it into a museum, thanks to the efforts of Hermann Boschheidgen, a local judge. The castle was renovated in 1938 to serve as a museum without significantly altering its structure. Today, Schloss Moers continues to function as a museum, preserving and showcasing the local history and serving as a cultural venue for exhibitions and theater performances.

The Legacy of Schloss Moers

The history of Schloss Moers is a testament to the town's rich and varied past. From its origins as a medieval fortress to its current role as a cultural and historical landmark, the castle has witnessed centuries of change and development. Visitors to Schloss Moers can explore its storied past, marvel at its architectural features, and enjoy the vibrant cultural activities it hosts. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a casual visitor, Schloss Moers offers a fascinating journey through time in the heart of Moers.