Raeren Castle

The origins of Burg Raeren date back to the 14th century when a nearly square residential tower with two stories was built. Archaeological findings indicate an iron ore smelter at this location around 1300. The complex was first documented in 1425 as a fief of the Aachen collegiate church of St. Mary, surrounded by moats and ponds. In 1552, the castle came into the possession of Johann von Lomont. His descendant Philipp von Lomont had the complex expanded from 1583 after a kitchen fire, adding defensive walls, economic wings, and corner towers made of bluestone, which gave it its current rectangular layout. In the early 18th century, under Peter Joseph de Nys, romantic-style alterations were made.