The former castle was first mentioned in writing in 1198. Over the centuries, it was damaged multiple times due to the turmoil of wars. Repeated structural changes ultimately led to a palace-like building. In World War II, the castle was almost completely destroyed. Reconstruction began in 1952. After being used as a student boarding school and several years of vacancy, Schloss Schleiden was converted into a senior residence and has been used as such to this day.