Here stands Schloss Birlinghoven. It is a monument to a bygone era. A time when art and architecture intertwined to create spectacular residences.
Birlinghoven Castle began as a moated castle in the Lauterbach valley. Around 1900, a new residence was built on the island. This was in place of the old manor house. One of the gatehouse’s wing structures was extended in the 19th century.
The new Schloss Birlinghoven took shape between 1900 and 1902. Its design evokes an English country mansion. Theodor Damian Rautenstrauch commissioned Cologne architect Edwin Crones for the build. Rautenstrauch wanted a commanding position. He also wanted a view of the Siebengebirge hills. The castle was to be filled with old works of art.
Red clay bricks were shipped from England for the build. They traveled up the Rhine. At Beuel, they were transferred to horse-drawn carts. Then they were brought to Birlinghoven. Stone was sourced from a local Birlinghoven factory.
After Theodor’s death, his brother Eugen inherited the property. Eugen was a Cologne banker. He sponsored the Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum for Ethnology.
In 1917, Privy Councillor Dr. Louis Hagen bought Schloss Birlinghoven. He added a chapel, dedicated in 1920. By 1932, the castle belonged to Hagen’s daughter Elisabeth. She was married to Clemens Freiherr von Wrede.
The Federal Republic of Germany purchased the castle in 1967. Dr. Gerhard Stoltenberg represented the government.
Schloss Birlinghoven was built to house art. Many pieces remain today. The Central Hall has a collection of paintings. The Great Hall displays works hung high on the walls. The Red Hall also features paintings.
The curving staircase has a wrought-iron railing. It is from the mid-18th century. Some say it came from Berlin.
The Great Hall boasts two fireplaces with red marble chimneypieces. Angel heads in white marble adorn them. These are likely Italian works from the 17th century. Cast-iron plates behind the fireplaces depict the Judgement of Paris.
Figures of Minerva and Mercury stand in wall niches. These are from the Palazzo Giustiniani Bandini in Rome. The Green Hall features a 17th-century Italian marble basin. It has a dolphin in white marble.
The Red Hall contains carved paneling dated 1699. It is thought to be from a Belgian church. Angel heads are set between pilasters.
The painting collection showcases Italian and Dutch works. They range from the 16th to 18th centuries. Portraits are also abundant. The paintings lack a unifying theme. Mythological and Biblical scenes appear.
Today, Schloss Birlinghoven houses the Fraunhofer Institute Center. It stands as a testament to history. It also stands as a monument of art and architecture. In 2015, modern workspaces were created in the historic building.
Since 2014, Schloss Birlinghoven has been a wedding location. The red and green halls are available for ceremonies. The red hall features baroque wood paneling. The green hall boasts stucco ceilings and marble decorations. The grounds of Schloss Birlinghoven are under monument protection. They include the main house and the remise.
Schloss Birlinghoven is more than just a building. It is a journey through time. It is a celebration of art.