Weilerbach Castle

An impression (video) on YouTube +/- 14 min.

Story

In 1762, the nearby Benedictine Abbey of Echternach acquired a small ironworks above Bollendorf. When this "old forge" did not allow for an increase in production, the abbey decided to build a new, larger ironworks on the nearby Weilerbach from 1777 to 1779. It included a smeltery, a stamping mill, a large hammer mill and three small hammer mills, a cutting mill, a foundry, and a sawmill. In 1780, the last abbot of Echternach, the construction-loving Emmanuel Limpach, built the castle as the administrative headquarters of the factory and as a summer residence for the abbot. The architect was Paul Mungenast from Austria.

The monks enjoyed their baroque castle for only a few years. In 1794, French revolutionary troops occupied Echternach and Weilerbach. The castle and the factory were auctioned. Nicolas Vincent Legier (+1827), director of the forestry department, stands out among the first private owners. In 1832, the Luxembourg industrial family Servais acquired the property. The development of the iron foundry was generally positive until the beginning of the 20th century. However, changing political preferences and tariffs in the sales areas affected further development. In 1840, 134 and later even 220 workers were employed here.

After World War I, the decline began. After 1945, there was only limited production. Cast iron and pig iron were produced, and since 1841, also steel. Especially the products of "Weilerbacher Hütte" are known to this day: cast iron plates and furnaces. After 1850, the factory had much success with specially designed agricultural tools such as threshing machines and wine presses.

In 1944, the castle, which the Servais family had thoroughly restored in 1930, was heavily damaged by artillery fire. It became uninhabitable and then stood empty. After the smelting activities were halted in 1958, some smelting buildings fell into disrepair or were demolished. In 1961, the placement of an emergency roof prevented the castle from completely collapsing. Ultimately, "Gewerbebau und Treuhand gbt GmbH Trier" acquired the castle and the associated area in 1986. Between 1987 and 1992, the castle was fully restored according to the principles of monument preservation. In 1992, "Eifelkreis Bitburg-Prüm" acquired the castle with the adjacent garden and outbuildings, as well as the former factory complex. Parts of the castle building are rented out. The ballroom on the first floor is used for various cultural events. Civil marriages often take place there. Additionally, the caretakers' residence and the gatehouse located by the castle pond are rented out. In the former coach house, there is a museum café showcasing products from the "Weilerbacher Hütte." The buildings and structures of the former ironworks were secured and renovated over a period of 10 years. Guided tours and events are held from time to time.

Translated from German

Source: schloss-weilerbach.de

Eddy&Rita