The first documented mention of Burg Reichenstein dates from 1208. Following this, the Burg Reichenstein was attributed to Ludwig III of Reichenstein between 1310 and 1320 for the protection of his territory and possibly as a customs station.
Since the 16th century, it has been considered a ruin and was destroyed in 1618 by its then-owner Count zu Wied when the Count of Sayn intended to acquire it. Since then, the ruin has continued to decay and was in private ownership until the 20th century. In recent years, the ruin has been managed by an association, and extensive restoration work has been carried out, including the establishment of the Walpodenstube, which can accommodate approximately 30 guests.
The castle can be visited at certain times, and festivals and events also take place in and around the castle. In addition to the foundations of the other castle buildings and a partially filled-in well, which was formerly 40 meters deep, the still towering ruins of a four-story residential tower give the ruin its characteristic appearance.
Château de Niort is a medieval castle in the French town of Niort. It consists of two square towers, linked by a 15th-century building and dominates the Sèvre Niortaise valley.
The two donjons are the only remaining part of the castle. The castle was started by Henry II Plantagenet in the 12th century and completed by Richard the Lionheart. It was defended by a rectangular curtain wall and was damaged during the Wars of Religion. In the 18th century, the castle served as a prison.
The present keeps were the central point of a massive fortress. The southern keep is 28m tall, reinforced with turrets. The northern tower is slightly shorter at 23m. Both are flanked with circular turrets at the corners as well as semicircular buttresses. Each of the towers has a spiral staircase serving the upper floors. The Romanesque architecture is of a high quality with the dressed stones closely jointed.