The upper forts is the older of the two Manderscheider forts. It was always owned by the Trier until the dissolution of the Electoral State and its destruction by the French (1673). Today, the well-preserved ruin is owned by the town of Manderscheid and is freely accessible.
In September 2007 the Heimatverein Oberzissen set up a museum in the premises of the old school.Local history comes alive with many historical exhibits, but also finds from the near past.
The late Gothic-Era construction, in the Lutzather district of Driesch, was built at the end of the 15th century as a pilgrimage church in honor of the Mater Dolorosa (the mother of pain).