As early as 450 BC, the Celts built a fortified complex around 130 meters above the Saar on the ridge surrounded by the Saar loop. There were also traces of the Romans and the remains of a “Motte”, a castle from the early Middle Ages. The next castle (ca. 1160/1180–1351) was named Montclair for the first time. It was destroyed after months of siege by the Archbishop of Trier. The following, today's Montclair Castle, was completed by Arnold von Sierck around 1439. It fell into ruins after the death of the last burgrave, Henry IV of Sayn, in 1606. But as early as the 19th century, it was renovated at the instigation of the Prussian Crown Prince Friedrich Wilhelm and the earthenware manufacturer Eugen Anton Boch and Montclair Castle became a popular attraction.
In 1989 the Merzig-Wadern district acquired the castle
from the von Boch family, the sponsor was the cultural foundation for the Merzig-Wadern district, which had been founded recently.
After extensive further renovation, the
The facility has been open to visitors again since 1993.
A museum with two exhibition rooms offers information about the history and life on the castle hill
and shows high-quality replicas from the Celtic to modern times. A multilingual digital tour (GIM) leads
through the complex and the defensive towers ultimately offer a magnificent view of the surrounding landscape.
Montclair Castle is now a popular excursion destination with a cozy bistro and beer garden. During the hike to the castle (approx. 3.6 km), young and old can explore the local flora and fauna on the “Montclair Forest Experience”.
Public and bookable tours with tour guides or adventure tours are offered at the castle. Bookings via:
Montclair Castle visitor organization, telephone: 06861/80-235, info@burg-montclair.de
Further information can be found on the website www.burg-montclair.de.
