Merlsheim Castle

The first documented mention of Merlsheim dates back to 1292, when it was known as Merlhossen and Merlhusen. During this period, the location served as the ancestral seat of a knightly family of the same name, which flourished from the 13th to the 15th century. In the mid-14th century, the Knights of Oeynhausen acquired land in Merlsheim, and in 1390, Johann der Junge von Oeynhausen purchased the entire village. The current form as a moated castle was given to the complex between 1667 and 1668 under the direction of Canon C.Ph. von Ketteler, who had the old fortification redesigned.