Kirkel Castle

Kirkel Castle, locally known as Burg Kirkel, lies in the village of Kirkel-Neuhäusel, in the Saarland region in Germany.

Kirkel Castle was first mentioned in 1075. It was held in fief by several owners from the 12th century on, amongst them the Counts of Saarwerden and the Siersberg family.

In 1410 the Counts Palatine of Zweibrücken became the sole owners of the castle. They would stay owners until the castle's demise. During the 2nd part of the 15th century they had the castle enlarged and strengthened. The castle was thoroughly rebuilt between 1580 and 1596 by John I, Count Palatine of Zweibrücken.

The 17th century was a hard time for the castle. First, during the Thirty Years' War, in 1635, Kirkel was severely damaged by fire but rebuilt afterwards. In 1677, during the Franco-Dutch War, it was destroyed again. And in 1689, during the Nine Years' War, it was destroyed for a third time. This proved to be too much for Kirkel Castle and it was not rebuilt anymore, after which it fell to ruin. By 1740 it was being used as a quarry by the locals.

In the 20th century the castle ruin was consolidated and the round tower was rebuilt to be used as a lookout tower.

The castle was built on a freestanding rock of red sandstone. What remains today are the rebuilt tower at the north side, the ruin of the former keep on the south side and the foundations of an entrance building on the west side.

At present Kirkel Castle can freely be visited. A nice small castle ruin in a quiet village.

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