Blankenheim Castle

The impressive castle dominates the view of Blankenheim. Findings show that a Roman castle had stood there previously. Gerhard I had the castle built in 1115 above the source of the Ahr. In the 15 th century Count Gerhard VIII had it demolished and rebuilt. When the Count of Manderscheid overtook the ownership in 1468, through inheritance, it was remodelled several times. The medieval knight’s castle changed into a Baroque palace. The castle lost its role as a fortress.
The Manderscheid family wanted to impress its guests with its representative capacity: in 1730 they had a Baroque garden with orangery made in the area in front of the moat.
Today the castle grounds are home to a youth hostel and can be viewed on request. The Blankenheim Castle lies on the Castle route.