- Parking spaces available
- Free admission
Werl castle ruins
Castle/castle | Historic town center | Historic building
The castle ruins are one of the architectural and historical features of the pilgrimage town of Werl.
Properties:
Built in 1520, it served as the residence of the archbishop and elector of Cologne for centuries. On November 2, 1661, the image of the "Comforter of the Afflicted" from Soest was handed over to the people of Werl and founded the pilgrimage to the basilica that still exists today. The castle was severely damaged during the Seven Years' War in 1762 and later served as a quarry. Many houses and walls in Werl were built from the stones that had been removed.
It was not until the 19th century that the value of the dilapidated town castle was recognized.
One tower has been preserved for posterity. The so-called "Knights' Hall" can be viewed in the tower during a tour, for example as part of a guided tour of the town. It is located on today's first floor, but was originally on the second floor. Due to the accumulation of earth and the vault created above the castle moat in the 19th century, half of the tower is now "underground".
On 29.06.2025, a path axis was inaugurated, which makes the castle ruins more visible. Former walls and an originally existing tower ring have been traced in the form of flowerbeds. Information and information boards show the dimensions of the entire complex. This is how you can experience the history of the castle.
If you would like to experience the monument with all its special features from the inside, you should take part in a guided tour. Then you can also visit the huge vaulted cellars and catacombs. It is also possible to climb the tower.
Information on guided tours of the town/castle ruins can be obtained from Stadtinfo Werl:
Tel. 02922-8784300
stadtinfo@werl.de
It was not until the 19th century that the value of the dilapidated town castle was recognized.
One tower has been preserved for posterity. The so-called "Knights' Hall" can be viewed in the tower during a tour, for example as part of a guided tour of the town. It is located on today's first floor, but was originally on the second floor. Due to the accumulation of earth and the vault created above the castle moat in the 19th century, half of the tower is now "underground".
On 29.06.2025, a path axis was inaugurated, which makes the castle ruins more visible. Former walls and an originally existing tower ring have been traced in the form of flowerbeds. Information and information boards show the dimensions of the entire complex. This is how you can experience the history of the castle.
If you would like to experience the monument with all its special features from the inside, you should take part in a guided tour. Then you can also visit the huge vaulted cellars and catacombs. It is also possible to climb the tower.
Information on guided tours of the town/castle ruins can be obtained from Stadtinfo Werl:
Tel. 02922-8784300
stadtinfo@werl.de
Business hours
The path to the castle ruins is open to the public.
Visits to the tower and the "vaulted cellars" are only possible as part of a guided tour.
Directions
Can be reached via Schlossstraße. Located on the edge of the Altstadt, the castle ruins are part of the "Historic City Tour" and can therefore be easily reached on foot from the city center (approx. 5 minutes' walk).
