Burg Endenich: A Medieval Castle in Bonn, Germany

Visitor Information

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Country: Germany

Civilization: Unclassified

Remains: Military

History

Burg Endenich is a medieval castle located in the municipality of Bonn, Germany, originally built during the Middle Ages by local noble families. The first written record of the castle dates back to around the year 1200, when it was home to two knights. Its origins may be tied to a property acquired by the ecclesiastical foundation known as the Cassius-Stift in 1135, though this connection is uncertain and cannot be confirmed.

Throughout the late Middle Ages, ownership of the castle passed from the knights of Endenich to their successors, the von Huys family. By the early 17th century, specifically in 1619, the castle came under the Cologne baron Engelhard von Weichs through marriage, marking a shift in control tied to noble alliances. The main fortification of the castle was destroyed by the end of the 17th century, a fate likely connected to the military upheavals of the Palatinate War of Succession (1688–1697).

Following this period of conflict, the property was sold in 1690 to Johann Heinrich von Lapp, who served as a court chamber director. His son, Joseph Clemens von Lapp, inherited the estate and, together with his wife Maria Catharina Canto, undertook renovations and expansions funded by their combined wealth. The von Lapp family maintained residence at Burg Endenich until 1812, after which the castle experienced several changes in ownership. From 1830 until 1962, it was in possession of the von Hymmen family.

In 1962, the city of Bonn acquired Burg Endenich. The castle gained official recognition as a protected historic monument on December 4, 2006. Since 1995, the association Endenicher Burg e.V. has been responsible for managing the site, facilitating its use by local clubs and cultural groups, thus linking the castle’s heritage with community life.

Remains

Today, the only surviving portion of Burg Endenich is its outer bailey, known in German as the Vorburg. The main castle itself no longer stands, having been destroyed by the late 17th century. The site is formally protected as a historic building monument, acknowledging its cultural and historical importance.

The castle is sited adjacent to the Endenicher Bach stream, which historically fed into the castle’s moat, emphasizing the defensive design typical of medieval fortifications. The street next to the castle, once named “Baachjass,” reflected this watercourse connection but has since been renamed “Am Burggraben,” meaning “at the castle moat.”

Within the castle grounds lies a courtyard featuring a horse chestnut tree estimated to be over 130 years old. This tree, notable for its trunk circumference exceeding four meters, is registered as a natural monument, along with eight other mature trees located in the surrounding park area. These natural features contribute to the site’s historical landscape.

The standing buildings of the former outer bailey have been repurposed to serve the community. They currently house a branch of the Bonn city library, provide space for local events, accommodate the volunteer fire brigade station, and offer a meeting place for senior citizens. Portions of the castle grounds extend into a nearby school property as well as a public park and sports area, integrating the historic site into the daily life of the neighborhood.

Architectural details such as an entrance portal once bore the coat of arms of the von Hymmen family; however, this heraldic display has been identified as incorrect in historical documentation. Other features, including an interior courtyard, are recorded in old depictions but are not physically detailed in the existing ruins. The overall preservation of these elements connects the location to its noble heritage and ongoing role within the community.