Blankenberg Castle

The origins of the hilltop castle Blankenberg likely date back to between 1150 and 1180. A role in its early history was played by the Counts of Sayn, Eberhard I and Heinrich I. In 1152, they transferred Sayn Castle and its associated estate to the Archbishop of Trier, after the Cologne Archbishop Arnold II had besieged and destroyed their possessions. Subsequently, they moved their residence to Blankenberg. As they maintained military quiet, Arnold II allowed them to remain. In 1363, the castle, along with the town and surrounding area, passed into the possession of the Counts, later Dukes, of Berg.