My Travels Abroad: Schloss Merode

On our way back to Cologne from Aachen we stopped by the Merode Castle.  If I remember correctly I believe the Fienes are distantly related to the Merodes.  After looking at several castle ruins it was cool to go into a castle that was still standing and had been renovated.

 This castle has had quite a history. During the 19th century the castle fell into disuse when the Merode family moved to France.  In 1946 Charles Merode decided to move his family back and begin restoration on the castle.  Every room had been re-done and modern amenities were installed.  Then, in 2000, the castle caught fire, damaging every story of the castle.  The Merodes were devastated, but not willing to admit defeat. When funding permits they will begin to restore...again.  We only entered the main floor of the house, but we were able to see some of the damage the fire caused.

This is the front entrance taken from the inside.  The castle is surrounded by a moat. It was beautiful.