Historisches Museum im Schloss Broich

Description

In the Broich district of Mülheim an der Ruhr, Schloss Broich stands as a prominent historic complex on the west bank of the Ruhr near the city centre. Parts of the fortifications date back to the late Carolingian period and are among the oldest preserved early medieval defensive structures north of the Alps; its position at the historic ford of the Ruhr on the old Hellweg underlines its strategic importance.

The origins go back to 883/884, when a fortified military camp was established on an approximately 11‑metre‑high spur of land above the Ruhr, apparently to control the river and the ford. The original layout comprised an oval curtain wall with multi-room, partly two-storey buildings, but there is no evidence of permanent supply facilities, suggesting a short-term use. After the Vikings withdrew, the site was initially abandoned; around the end of the 11th century it was rebuilt by the Lords of Broich, who are first mentioned in documents in 1093.

During the 12th and 13th centuries the site developed into a fortress: curtain walls were strengthened, an outer ward was created and a massive keep of about 17.4 metres was erected. These fortifications proved effective when the castle withstood a siege by the Archbishop of Cologne in 1240. In the ensuing centuries inheritance disputes, rebuilding and wars shaped the fabric of the complex: in the late 14th century a Gothic hall building with stepped gables was constructed; in the 15th century feuds and a severe siege in 1443 led to the capture of the castle and considerable destruction; repairs were carried out until 1444, and the keep was subsequently dismantled.

In the 16th and 17th centuries changes in inheritance and an increased need for residential space altered the internal buildings, while the outer defences were not substantially modernised. Destruction from military marches ended in the late 16th century with a capture in 1598 and the murder of the castellan. Extensive rebuilding and extensions took place between 1644 and 1648; the coat‑of‑arms inscription above the gate bearing the year 1648 documents this phase. A large castle garden, additional wings and a crypt beneath the chapel were created, while an outer bailey in front was demolished in the 19th century.

In the 18th century parts of the west wing were rebuilt (1789) and members of the higher nobility paid visits, enjoying great popularity among the local population. After the dissolution of the lordship during the Napoleonic period and Prussian incorporation in 1815, parts of the fabric fell into decay; changes of ownership and alterations in the 19th century further changed its appearance. Municipal ownership since 1938, wartime damage and subsequent neglect led to archaeological excavations and restorations in the 1960s and 1970s; since then the castle has been usable again, and the Hochschloss served, among other uses, as the seat of the adult education centre (Volkshochschule).

Today the representative halls are used for civic receptions and civil wedding ceremonies; rooms in the castle are also available for private or corporate events. The Hochschloss houses the Historical Museum of the Mülheim Historical Association with excavation finds, models and a "Luisen‑Zimmer" that offers insights into several centuries of local history. Since 2000 music festivals have taken place in the courtyard; the site also hosts seasonal events such as the Broicher Schlossnacht and the Broicher Schlossweihnacht.

Address: Am Schloss Broich 28, 45479 Mülheim an der Ruhr. Public transport: Mülheim, Schloß Broich.