Störmede Castle (Ruin)

The origins of Störmede Castle possibly date back to the early Middle Ages, with the first mention of the place Störmede occurring as early as 826. In the High Middle Ages, it established itself as the center of the dominion of the noble lords of Störmede. Its strategic importance led the Archbishops of Cologne to acquire parts of the castle and grant them as a fief. Nevertheless, conflicts arose, leading to its destruction by the Cologne forces in 1233. After its reconstruction, the power of the noble lords expanded, and around the mid-13th century, a town was founded in its immediate vicinity. Further destructions followed in 1277, but the castle was rebuilt in a different location after 1292.