Weiße Castle (Sechtem)

The White Castle, surrounded by a moat, is first mentioned in documents in 1472 as being in the possession of the Lady of Dersdorf from the noble family of the Counts Beissel von Gymnich, but was already built in the 11th century. In 1492, Wilhelm von Effern was the owner of the castle. During the next two hundred years, due to its location amidst lush meadows and pastures, the name Wisseburg (Meadow Castle) emerged.

Later owner was the Archbishop and Elector of Trier Karl Kaspar Graf von der Leyen. He sold the castle to Mr. von Meyerhofen. In 1687, Johann Peter von Krane inherited the castle; subsequently, the castle was occasionally also referred to as Kranenburg. In the years 1842 - 1848, the dilapidated complex was restored. After further changes of ownership, the manor owner Peter Bollig from the neighboring Ophof acquired the castle in 1906. The castle is currently owned by the Zillikens family.