11:00 - 16:00
Marksburg
Marksburg 1, 56338 Braubach
The value and significance of Marksburg Castle lie primarily in its complete preservation as a medieval fortification. For many visitors it is the epitome of a medieval castle. Its exposed location on a rock 90 meters above the town of Braubach contributes to this.
The imposing fortress with buildings mainly from the 13th to 15th centuries is staggered with a keep, several buildings, kennels and bastions. The typical interiors such as the castle kitchen, knights' hall, bower, chapel, armory, wine cellar, battlements and tower rooms are particularly worth seeing. They provide insights into medieval life. The Lords of Eppstein built the fortress from the year 1231 to protect the nearby silver mines. Marksburg Castle was still known as Braubach Castle until the 16th century. The castle changed hands several times. With the extinction of the Counts of Katzenelnbogen, Marksburg Castle fell to the Hessian landgraves. Later, the castle complex no longer met the upscale aristocratic residential requirements of modern times, so the residence Schloss Philippsburg was built in the valley.
Access to the castle complex is only possible as part of a guided tour.
Marksburg Castle is the only hill castle on the Rhine that has never been destroyed. It has been lived in for over 700 years and thus represents an ever-changing and developing building complex that has been growing into its present shape over the centuries.
On the Rhine's right bank, upstream from its junction with the Mosel, a hill rises above the town of Braubach. Crowning the hill is Marksburg Castle, its unusually slender keep towering above the surrounding courts and ramparts. Beginning with the construction of the keep in the 12th century, the castle grew into its present shape throughout succeeding centuries. In the Middle Ages, the strengthening of the castle's defences became essential and urgent by improvements made to firearms. Huge outworks date from this time, as does the conversion of a gateway in the outer wall to a strong bastion. It is mainly due to these extra defence works that the castle was never seriously attacked. In more peaceful times, it was used mainly as a state prison. Now you can visit the most original castle in the entire valley of the Loreley. This impressive castle, home of the German Castles Association set up to preserve such ancient monuments, presents a host of fascinating artefacts that brings the Middle Ages to life.
