Bürresheim Castle

The origins of Bürresheim Castle date back to the 12th century, with its first documented mention in 1157. Initially, it was owned by the noble free lords Eberhard and Mettfried “de Burgenesem”. The complex became a joint heritage castle, divided between the Archbishoprics of Cologne and Trier, each acquiring shares. From 1659, the castle came into the sole possession of the von Breidbach family, who subsequently called themselves “von Breidbach-Bürresheim” and were elevated to the status of Imperial Barons in 1691. This family shaped the castle through expansions and alterations. After the extinction of the Breidbachs in 1796, the inheritance passed to the Counts of Renesse and later to the comital family von Westerholt.