Hmm, I’m finding it hard starting about the town of Dierdorf. Maybe I’m stuck on the fact that my American Friends haven’t grasped the concept of a cemetery as a park, kinda thing.
No, that’s not all there is — just some cemetery to see. There’s more to it than that. Let me try to explain this…
Found within Dierdorf’s Castle Park is the Mausoleum of Prince Wied-Runkel. It’s a magnificent piece of 19th century architecture, and a fitting final resting place to a family that ruled over the area for generations. It’s called Mausoleum and you can’t miss this white gravesite building from 1816.
The castle, by the way, had its own moat, originally built in 1324. Which just so happens to have been around the time as the Uhrturm (Clock Tower) and the Eulenturm (Owls Tower) were built. Dierdorf’s Stadtmauer, or city walls, were also built in the 14th century — and pieces of it are still found around town.
Not all of the town’s history is peachy — it was a place that saw 91 people killed during its Witch Trials back around the mid-17th century. Thankfully today, the town is more known for its peaceful shopping along little lanes, offering everything from jewelry to baked goods.
If parts of Dierdorf look really modern, it’s because a good portion of it was destroyed by bombing during World War II. Some old buildings have managed to survive, like the very early 20th century Evangelical Church and the Krankenhaus (an old Knights of St. John hospital from 1886). Too bad I can’t say the same for St. Clements, it was destroyed on March 25, 1942.
Since it’s never just about the history, know that you can have some great recreational pursuits here. Swimming, tennis, horseback riding, and even miniature golf await, if you so desire. And if you want to party your little heart out, come to the City Festival in May. Or, shop German style at the Autumn Market in September or Christmas Fair in November/December.
It might’ve been a hard start talking about Dierdorf, but once you get to know it, you’ll be doing nothing but singing its praises.
