Altenstein Castle, Maroldsweisach, Germany

The Altenstein Castle, located in Franconia, was once the seat of the lords of Stein zu Altenstein. The castle had its origins in the Teufelsstein, a rock castle that stood below Lichtenstein Castle. The Steins of Lichtenstein had their seat at the castle of Lichtenstein, while the Altensteins became vassals of the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg.

The castle, mentioned indirectly in 1225 and directly in 1231, developed into a Ganerbenburg, occupied and managed by several branches of the family. It had a significant role in the early record of joint inheritance. The Altensteins established a small territory around the castle during the 14th and 15th centuries, consolidating their scattered lands.

The castle faced damages during the Peasants' War in 1525, but in 1549, Emperor Charles V granted the high court jurisdiction to the Altensteins. The family faced a decline in fortunes and conflicts, including the execution of William of Stein zu Altenstein in 1567. The castle was sacked during the Thirty Years' War, and the family eventually moved to a new schloss in Pfaffendorf.

The castle fell into ruin over time and was donated to the district of Hassberge in 1972. The site underwent renovation and development, becoming accessible to visitors. The castle ruins, located on unstable subsoil, require ongoing stabilization measures. The castle chapel, originally built in 1438, had to be rebuilt and underwent further changes over the years.

Today, the Altenstein Castle is part of the Haßberge Castle Educational Path and offers a circular walk around the inner ward, allowing visitors to explore the ruins and previously inaccessible areas.

References:

Wikipedia

Strekov Castle

Střekov Castle (Schreckenstein) is perched atop a cliff above the River Elbe, near the city of Ústí nad Labem. It was built in 1316 for John of Luxembourg, the father of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, to guard an important trade route to Germany. After changing hands several times, the castle was acquired by the Lobkowicz family in 1563. Its strategic importance led to occupations by Imperial Habsburg, Saxon, and Swedish forces during the Thirty Years' War, as well as successive sieges by Austrian and Prussian armies during the Seven Years' War.

Although Střekov Castle was heavily damaged during those conflicts and abandoned as a military installation by the end of the 18th century, the 1800s saw many poets and artists visiting the castle, drawn by a new trend of interest in romantic ruins.

doug demaio (2 years ago)
A hidden gem. Well worth a visit and teaches a lot about history in the area. Powerful info, beautiful place.

Marije Henning (3 years ago)
Beautiful old ruined castle. There aren't many ruins left, but they are well-kept, information is given in German and English. We spent a nice time here, and enjoyed the beautiful views. You have to pay a small fee (4€ in 2021) to enter the grounds.

Chandrashekhar Panchangmath (4 years ago)
Very clean and nice place..

Jonathan Killeen (5 years ago)
It's good to be king.

L. S. (7 years ago)
Great View and interesting things.

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