Zoppesmur Castle (Ruin) (Leysiefen)

The ruins of the motte are located near the hamlet of Leysiefen, 200 meters from the left bank of the Wupper, at the foot of the Wupperberg. The castle mound, with a base diameter of about 50 m and a height of approx. 8 m, was built on a slope descending towards the Wupper. A ring wall

surrounded the castle mound, supported by a strong rampart on the valley side.

The castle, registered as an archaeological monument, was probably built around 1200 by the Bergisch knightly and ministerial family Zobbe, who later renamed themselves de Leysiefen. In 1280, the castle passed to Count Adolf V of Berg, who also owned the nearby Nesselrath House Castle and therefore had no further use for the motte. Since the deed of transfer from 1280 is both the first and last documented mention of the castle, it was probably left to decay immediately after the takeover.

The ruin inspired the local population to legends. It is said that the ruin was long a hideout for a band of robbers and harbored buried treasures. Folk tales speak of dismembered knights and ghosts guarding the hidden treasures.

A legend also explains the castle's decline: A Junker of Leysiefen tried to steal clothes from the bathing elves of Heribertsborn. He was struck blind in the process and thereafter led a miserable existence in his castle. He, who possessed a castle, fishing rights, and hunting grounds, fell into complete poverty.