A lot has happened since the original complex was built in the 9th century. The most important secular monument in the city of Mülheim was the residence of dozens of noblemen. Among them was the later Prussian Queen Luise, who spent several years of her youth at the palace. Today, a room in the Historical Museum is dedicated to her.
Wars, conquests, conversions and extensions as well as changes of ownership characterize the history of the oldest castle complex from the late Carolingian period in the German-speaking world. Broich Castle in Mülheim an der Ruhr has many stories to tell about its current building stock and the foundations of old defensive structures alone. It is the most important secular monument in the city of Mülheim and an impressive sight in the middle of the picturesque MüGa Park.
Fortress against the Normans
Its origins date back to the years 883 and 884, when the castle was probably built as a stronghold against the Normans - a strategically defensive defense facility located on the historic Ruhr ford of the old Hellweg. At the end of the 11th century, the noblemen of Broich developed it into a seat of power. Various nobles, such as the Counts of Limburg, later claimed the site for themselves. Parts of the castle were destroyed by conquerors such as the Archbishop of Cologne Dietrich von Moers in the 15th century, while some of the inhabitants carried out extensions and restoration work.
Nowadays, history fans feel transported back in time when they enter the Historical Museum in the castle's high castle, which in turn adjoins the original curtain wall. Documents, paintings, models, weapons and excavated objects bear witness to different eras. The "Luisen Room" is dedicated to the most important personality from the castle's past, the Prussian Queen Luise, who lived in the rooms in her youth between 1787 and 1791. The city archives and the history society regularly offer guided tours, during which one or two anecdotes will make you think.
Since April 2024, a barrier-free historical adventure trail has also made the late Carolingian core of Broich Castle accessible. Here, visitors can learn more about the uncovered walls and foundation walls using bilingual signage with additional QR codes. The excavation area that can now be explored has not been open to the public since the 1960s. In future, an AR app will complete the journey through time by showing visitors the original appearance of the late Carolingian hall buildings and the subsequent Romanesque and Hohenstaufen castle complex.
Camera Obscura in the water tower
If you want to experience even more culture in or around the castle, you have the chance to do so several times a year. Music festivals such as Castle Rock or the Ruhrbühne await. For lovers of cabaret, the Broich Castle Night is the place to be. However, the clear highlight of the program is the Whitsun Spectacular, where the green park area around the castle offers plenty of space for jugglers, knights and minstrels. Craft tents, army camps and the large tournament grounds invite you to linger. A visit to the nearby Camera Obscura in the Broich railroad water tower is not only possible on these days.
