Rockenberg Castle

The first documented mention of Rockenberg dates back to 1191. The castle itself was probably built at the beginning of the 14th century, presumably by Knight Johannes von Bellersheim, who later called himself "von Rockenberg". A dendrochronological study of the residential tower determined its construction period to be 1317. In the early 15th century, the complex may have been expanded as part of the village's fortifications. After numerous changes of ownership until the 17th century, the castle was abandoned as a residence and presumably served as a stable and storage. At the beginning of the 18th century, the eastern wall gave way to a building, the so-called "Red House", which served as the official and administrative seat of the Mainz electoral cellarage. In the 19th century, the castle changed hands several times, was temporarily used as a brandy distillery and later as a manor.