Can you imagine yourself standing here, in the heart of Kippekausen, Bergisch Gladbach, and gazing upon the Motte Kippekausen? This ancient motte, a mound of earth surrounded by a moat, is all that remains of a once formidable castle. The Motte Kippekausen was a small, fortified hilltop castle, built as a place of refuge in times of conflict. This fortified place has stood tall, bearing witness to the relentless march of time. Back in the 9th century, it first appeared on the landscape.
The Motte Kippekausen, was a strategically designed structure. A rectangular wall encircled the mound, and a deep ditch, filled with water, guarded its outer edges. Its purpose was to provide a secure haven, an impenetrable fortress for its occupants. The central earth mound, with its sturdy walls, provided a commanding vantage point, affording a view of the surrounding countryside. It is thought that the main building on the mound must have been a wooden tower, since a foundation was found for a tower measuring 7 x 5 meters, along with foundations for several other buildings.
Over the centuries, the Motte Kippekausen saw its fair share of ups and downs. It was the home of several prominent families, including Heinrich von Merheim, who owned it in the 15th century. The once powerful castle gradually declined, its defenses weakened by time and events. Its significance waned, and it succumbed to the passage of time, becoming a mere relic of its former glory. Today, we only see remnants of the old foundations and the inner moat. This is a very real reminder of the Motte Kippekausen’s storied past.