Today the palace is the seat of the forest research institute of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. Its French garden can be accessed freely.

The gable shows the combined coat of arms of Franz Karl and Amönia.

In 1776 a scientist mounted the first lightning rod in the Palatinate on the roof of the palace.

Der Wald aber rühret die Wipfel
im Traum von der Felsenwand.
Denn der Herr geht über die Gipfel
und segnet das stille Land.

Joseph von Eichendorff

Der Wald aber rühret die Wipfel
im Traum von der Felsenwand.
Denn der Herr geht über die Gipfel
und segnet das stille Land.

Joseph von Eichendorff

Another interesting castle belonging to the Counts of the Rhine is Rheinberg Castle above the Wisper valley, the ruins of which can also be seen briefly in our video.

#rheinlandpfalz #germany #middleages #castle

Its location was strategically excellent and impregnable. The only weak point is the higher mountain behind it, from which attackers could fire on the castle. However, the castle was secured on this side by a moat and an outer bailey.

The Counts of the Rhine had territories in the Rheingau area and were vassals of the Elector and Archbishop of Mainz.

It is remarkable how the castle was built on a steep rock using the means available at the time and at great risk to life.

The rooms are fully equipped with original furniture and give fascinating insights into life in a Renaissance castle. It's easy to romanticise life in a place like this. But imagine that the entire castle had only one toilet, located in the Count's bedroom.

#austria #renaissance #castle

To withstand attacks with heavy cannons, Emperor Maximilian I. had a new tower of impressive size built within the fortress walls in the 16th century. The Emperor's Tower (Kaiserturm) has 7 meter thick walls. Later it was used as a prison.

#österreich #renaissance #fortress

Now it is left to rot. A fascinating place that reminds you of the transience of all things.

#rheinlandpfalz #lostplaces #abandonedplaces #railwayhistory