Journey back to 1405. Imagine Haus Rankenberg, not as the grand manor we see today, but as a bustling vineyard. The name “Rankenberg” itself whispers of this past, hinting at the vines that once climbed these slopes. Haus Rankenberg has witnessed centuries of change. In 1862, Philipp von Kempis, from the nearby Burg Kendenich, acquired this estate for his son Carl. Carl, however, had a grander vision. He dreamt of a French-style country manor, a stark contrast to the simple vineyard. In 1897, he demolished the existing buildings and, using the original foundations, built the Haus Rankenberg we now admire. Architect Ritzefeld brought Carl’s dream to life, completing the manor in 1898. Look closely at the four-story tower. Its baroque dome is a nod to the Kempis family’s history at Burg Kendenich. During World War II, Haus Rankenberg provided sanctuary. A chapel was established within its walls, offering a place of worship for clergymen displaced from war-torn Cologne. Inside, Haus Rankenberg holds further treasures. The von Kempis family’s legacy lives on in an extensive archive, a historical library, and a captivating portrait gallery. Outside, the 19th-century park beckons. A pond and fountain, remnants of the original vineyard, offer a tranquil retreat. Haus Rankenberg stands as a testament to time, a blend of history, resilience, and architectural grandeur.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to