Rosenau Castle (Ruin) (Königswinter)

The exact construction date of Rosenau Castle is unknown. It is believed to have been part of the Cologne Archbishopric's fortification system, which protected the southern flank of the archdiocese. The complex was first documented on February 27, 1222, along with its then-owner Dietrich von Dorndorf, who subsequently called himself Dietrich von Rosenau. After his death, his widow Agnes sold the castle to Heisterbach Abbey in November 1243. An unusual clause in the purchase agreement granted the abbey the right to destroy the castle. Following a second sales contract in 1249, which became necessary due to an objection from a daughter-in-law, Heisterbach Abbey destroyed the castle around 1250. The stones were presumably reused for abbey buildings.