Rimburg Castle (Palenberg)

The first documented mention of Rimburg Castle dates back to 1276, when a Lord of Mülrepas was named as its owner. During the conflict between the Duchies of Limburg and Brabant, the complex was partially destroyed but rebuilt around the turn of the 13th century and provided with a reinforced defensive structure. This included four flanking towers on the main castle and an outer ring of fortifications with four additional towers, which were connected to the main castle by underground passages. In 1323, the castle passed to Gerard von Merode through marriage and remained in family possession until the 15th century. Later, ownership changed hands, including the von Gronsfeld family. In 1498, Rimburg came into the possession of Johann I von Bronkhorst and was elevated to a free imperial lordship. During the Jülich Feud in 1543, the castle was occupied by ducal troops and subsequently besieged and partially destroyed by imperial forces. In 1640, Jost Maximilian von Bronckhorst sold Rimburg to Arnold von Boemer. In the 17th century, the complex was repeatedly captured by foreign troops, including by French troops in 1673 and Spanish soldiers in 1678. In the 18th century, the Counts of Ligneville and other noble families were owners.