Großbernsau Castle (Ruin) (Overath)

The ruin of Großbernsau Castle, also known as Neu-Bernsau, stands on an island in the Agger lowlands in the northern part of the North Rhine-Westphalian city of Overath in the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis. The base area of approximately 30 by 30 meters is enclosed by a small moat.

The motte was built in the 14th century and probably inhabited until the 18th century. The tower collapsed during the Second World War. Apart from an outer wall about four meters high, no building fabric is recognizable anymore.

Großbernsau was one of eight knight's seats in Overath. In addition, there were Auelburg, Altbernsau, zur Moelen, Vilkerode, Steynhuys, Brambach and Kombach.

With the death of Wilhelm von Bernsau in 1532, the Bernsau family died out. His son-in-law Goddert van Wylich continued the line, followed by the families von Schoeller, von Steinen and von Schaesberg. In 1904, Heinrich Reichsgraf von Schaesberg-Thannheim sold the ruin to Johann Dünn. Since 2009, it has been owned by the city of Overath.