Wachendorf Castle

Mechernich, Germany

Wachendorf Palace is one of the few aristocratic country seats which deserves its title of palace. Today it lies at an easy distance from the village of the same name, on the fringe of a large park, reaching out through an impressive avenue into the countryside. The remains of the moat and the cannon bastion are evidence of an unsettled and uncomfortable past. Wachendorf Castle was also first used as a knight's castle.

It was first mentioned in records in 1190 as country seat of the aristocrat Vogt, when the property was church-owned. During the early 16th century ownership was transferred by marriage to Johann von Palandt, who was one of the most important of the Jülich knights. In 1628 Marsilius III von Palandt held the infamous witch trials here, although he was not authorized to do so. None the less, 16 people lost their lives as a result.

In 1780 it was acquired by Bavarian Major-General Adolph, Baron von Ritz, who had the gothic castle demolished, to be replaced by a small baroque palace. In 1877 through the Landrat of Euskirchen it passed into the hands of Baron Solemacher-Antweiler, who converted the small property into the present large pala. In 1896 his son sold it to Dr. Paul von Mallinckrodt.

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Details

Founded: 1780
Category: Castles and fortifications in Germany
Historical period: Emerging States (Germany)

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Hochzeits DJ Smock (13 months ago)
Yesterday I was allowed to accompany a wedding as a DJ and was in this location for the first time. Great service and a great team, I can only recommend.
Michael D. (2 years ago)
We got married at Schloss Wachendorf in August and had a perfect day. The lord of the castle had given us excellent advice and support from the moment we made contact. Everything went smoothly and without complications. The entire company was enthusiastic about the great castle complex, especially the garden area, which we used for champagne reception and coffee/cake. In the castle itself we could celebrate after dinner as long as we wanted. The lord of the castle was present during assembly and dismantling and was on hand with advice and action. Thank you very much for an unforgettable day at Schloss Wachendorf!
Johannes Demmer (2 years ago)
Very nice location for weddings and private parties.
Björn Hemmert (2 years ago)
We got married there in October 2014. It was a lovingly decorated wedding room. One can only say about the castle that it is a dreamlike setting. We would get married there again. The hosts are very nice and cater to requests. 5Points!
Andrea Wolff (2 years ago)
A cool, undecorated room. I felt very uncomfortable, and I was only a guest. There wasn't a flower let alone a plant in the room. My wedding would not take place there.
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