The development and construction history of the complex can be traced more precisely through artistic representations, plans, and descriptions only since the 16th century. Only a larger-scale archaeological investigation could provide insights into earlier phases of construction. Excavations in 2023 revealed medieval wall structures, which may have belonged to an early ring wall.
Medieval castle: the "Grafenburg" The early history of the complex is largely obscure. Around 1060, count Bernhard II of Werl (1010–1070) built the so-called old castle, also known as "Rüdenburg", on a hill at the confluence of the Walpke and
Ruhr rivers. Between 1070 and 1080, Konrad II (1040–1092) relocated the seat of the Counts of Werl to Arnsberg. Earlier, the construction of the "Grafenburg" (i.e., the location of the current castle ruins) on the hill opposite "Rüdenburg" was attributed to him, with the year of origin given as 1077. Today, the relocation of the Count's seat from Werl to Arnsberg is attributed to Count Friedrich the Belligerent (1075–1124) around 1100. In 1102, a castle in the area of present-day Arnsberg was destroyed by
Frederick I,
Archbishop of Cologne (1075–1131), because count Friedrich had sided with
Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV (1050–1106) during the
Investiture Controversy. During the
Soest Feud (1444–1449), it served as the main base for the troops of Archbishop Dietrich II von Moers (1385–1463). During the following period, the castle was little used and fell into disrepair. Initially, there were no changes to the structural condition. This changed only when a redesign was carried out under Elector
Salentin of Isenburg (1532–1610) in 1575. During the bombardment, 2,000 canon shots, 300 fireballs, and 1,200 canon balls were fired on the castle. What bombs and grenades left standing was rendered unusable by mines days later. It was strategic unimportant decision and led to a loss of cultural important residential castle and hunting lodge.
Gallery: Designs by Johan Conrad Schlaun for Schloss Arnsberg (1730-1735) The
LWL Landesmuseum in
Münster has a set of designs made by Johan Conrad Schlaun for Schloss Arnsberg. File: Arnsberg Schloss Schlaun Design outside staircase.png | The outside staircase File: Arnsberg Schloss Schlaun Design Fireplace and side walls in great hall.png | The fire place and side walls in the great hall File: Arnsberg Schloss Schlaun Design ceiling.png | Castle chapel plasterwork ceiling (?) File: Arnsberg Schloss Schlaun Design castle chapel plasterwork ceiling.png | Castle chapel plasterwork ceiling File: Arnsberg Schloss Schlaun Design castle chapel altar.png | Castle chapel altar
Castle ruins The castle complex itself has since become a ruin. Among others, the Düsseldorf garden architect Maximilian Friedrich Weyhe transformed the Schlossberg area into a landscape park in the
romantic style from 1818 to 1821. Somewhat later, some of the original gothic arches of the ruin were reconstructed. In 1897, the city of Arnsberg acquired the castle ruins. The plans of the architect
Engelbert Seibertz to build a Kaiser Wilhelm Tower with a restaurant and museum were thwarted by the outbreak of the
First World War. Recently, there has been another comprehensive redesign of the area. The overgrown walls were cleared, a large-scale memorial for war victims was relocated to another location, and a circular path was created. In addition, below the ruin, a vineyard inspired by historical models was established. It is said that the pastor and poet August Disselhoff (1829-1903) composed the song "Nun ade, du mein lieb Heimatland" (Now farewell, my beloved homeland) in the ruins of the Arnsberg Castle. For several years now, a ruins festival has been held regularly to ensure the preservation of the ruin and to enhance the attractiveness of the site. ==See also==