Here stand the 20 Grenzsteine silent witnesses to centuries of shifting boundaries. These stones aren’t just rocks. They are historical markers. The Denkmal- und Geschichtsverein possesses these Grenzsteine. This association received a donation of these historical markers. The number of stones is about 20 pieces. This makes the collection one of the largest in the region.
Since the Baroque era, stones like these defined properties. They were also used for entire landscapes. Some even marked entire dominion areas. People called them Flursteine or Gutersteine. These stones lost their original purpose. This happened due to modern cadastral work in the 19th century. Since then, they became coveted collector’s items.
These 20 Grenzsteine now reside in the courtyard of the Bürgermeister-Stroof-Haus in Vilich. You can see many such pieces there. Among them are stones from the Kurfürstentum Köln. Stones from the Herzogtum Berg are also present. Until Napoleon, their state border cut through Beuel. Stones from the Stift Vilich accompany them. The Kommende Ramersdorf and the Abtei Heisterbach are represented. Many other regional rulers have stones here.
Former marking stones tell tales of fishing rights on the Rhine and Sieg. They also speak of mining permits for alum production in the Ennert. Meilensteine are also included. They once stood along country roads. Together, they form a collection of special cultural and historical value.
Wilhelm Schellhase collected these Grenzsteine over decades. He displayed them in his garden. He was a deceased member of the association. Now they are temporarily placed here. The courtyard requires redesign. Still, you can view them and all previous collection pieces. This is possible during normal opening hours. Visit on Fridays and Sundays from 3 PM to 6 PM. Information leaflets are available.
These stones represent more than mere land demarcation. They embody power, history, and local stories. Imagine the hands that placed them. Consider the disputes they settled. Envision the landscapes they defined. These 20 Grenzsteine connect us to the past. They allow us to reflect on the ever-changing nature of borders and ownership. They were important in earlier times.