Lost in the brown coal dust of history Benzelrath’s story unfolds. Right here where we stand a vibrant village once thrived. It was Alt-Benzelrath a place of homes and lives. A place with Burg Benzelrath a medieval castle. This castle first appeared in records in 1406. It belonged to the Junkers Rutger and Johann von Bentzenrode. Later it passed to the Kloster Bottenbroich. Finally Cologne families owned it. Franz Hohenschutz sold it to the Roddergrube around 1920.
The main house of Burg Benzelrath stood strong. It was a two-story plastered brick building from 1617. It featured two curved gables and a small square tower. The moats were long filled in. But this wasn’t the end of Benzelrath’s story. The relentless advance of brown coal mining changed everything.
Mid-20th century saw the expansion of the Sibylla mine. The village of Alt-Benzelrath stood in the way of progress. In 1954 a decision was made. Alt-Benzelrath was relocated. The people were moved. 404 people left 61 houses. They rebuilt their lives on the edge of Frechen. Many settled in the Am Hang district. This new settlement is what we know today as Benzelrath.
Imagine the upheaval the disruption. Families uprooted their history buried beneath the earth. Yet from the ashes of the old Benzelrath rose a new community. In 2005 the new Benzelrath had 350 residents. Today it’s a thriving suburb of Frechen. It is smaller than other parts of the city with a population of about 1200.
Benzelrath’s story is a testament to resilience. It’s a poignant reminder of the impact of industrialization. It’s a tale of loss and rebirth a story woven into the fabric of Cologne. So let’s pause a moment. Reflect on the journey of this remarkable place. Reflect on the strength of the people who called it home. Their spirit lives on in the vibrant community of Benzelrath.