Castle of Kurköln

The Castle of the Electorate of Cologne, completed between 1396 and 1400 by Archbishop Friedrich von Saarwerden, remains one of Kempen’s most iconic landmarks. His coat of arms still adorns the entrance to this day.

According to current research, an earlier fortress likely stood on the same site, built around a century earlier to defend against the neighbouring duchies of Geldern and Kleve, with whom political tensions were frequent.

In 1634, the original medieval stronghold – once equipped with embrasures and defensive slits – was transformed into a more comfortable residence through the addition of large windows. Just a few years later, in 1642, the castle was stormed by Hessian mercenaries following their conquest of the town.

Until 1794, the castle served as the official residence of the archiepiscopal administrators of the Kempen district.

In 1851, a devastating fire destroyed the building. It was rebuilt a few years later in the neo-Gothic style by architect Heinrich Wiethase. From 1863 to 1925, the castle housed the Thomaeum grammar school – a legacy still visible today in the statue of Thomas of Kempen above the main entrance.

From 1929 to 1984, the castle served as the district administrative headquarters. After the district offices relocated, the building continued to house the district and city archives until 2022.