Alzey Castle, constructed in the 13th century, was the residence and headquarters of the district administration. The castle of Alzey was a favoured place of residence for the Palsgraves during the time of both Ruprechten, Ruprecht ll and Ruprecht lll. who was King Ruprecht I of Germany from 1400 - 1410.
In the 15th and 16th centuries the castle was built into a representative castle complex which was badly destroyed during the Palatine War of Succession. As a result of the romantically inspired castle restoration movement of the 19th century, the ruin was rebuilt and restored to its historical splendour at the beginning of the 20th century. Since this time it has been used as the district court house.
References:Saint-Émilion is a picturesque medieval village renowned for its well-preserved architecture and vineyards. The town and surrounding vineyards was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, owing to its long, living history of wine-making, Romanesque churches and ruins stretching all along steep and narrow streets.
An oppidum was built on the hill overlooking the present-day city in Gaulish times, before the regions was annexed by Augustus in 27 BC. The Romans planted vineyards in what was to become Saint-Émilion as early as the 2nd century. In the 4th century, the Latin poet Ausonius lauded the fruit of the bountiful vine.
Because the region was located on the route of the Camino de Santiago, many monasteries and churches were built during the Middle Ages, and in 1199, while under Plantagenet rule, the town was granted full rights.