Ramburg Castle

Annweiler, Germany

The ruins of the Ramburg castle stand on the Schlossberg above the village of Ramberg in the Palatinate region. The river Dernbach, the left-hand headstream of the Eisbach) flows through the valley. Ramburg was built in the 12th century under the House of Hohenstaufen as an imperial castle for the protection of Trifels Castle. It is recorded as the seat of imperial ministeriales from 1163.

In 1519, Hans of Ramburg, the last member of the House of Ramburg, sold his castle to the Dalbergs. Six years later the castle was completely razed during the Peasants' War.

In 1540 the ruins were sold to the counts of Löwenstein. After being totally destroyed by a lightning strike in 1560 it was rebuilt as a residential castle again.

The castle was plundered during the Thirty Years' War, but not destroyed. Until 1638 it remained occupied as district office (Amtsitz), but fell into increasing disrepair and was used as a quarry in the early 18th century.

From the valley the impressive remains of the mighty shield wall and the palas are still visible. In addition, a neck ditch, several wall remains and a huge rock cellar have survived.

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Address

Ramberg, Annweiler, Germany
See all sites in Annweiler

Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Germany
Historical period: Hohenstaufen Dynasty (Germany)

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Thus Wurstbursch Kögl de Waldinutzy, Attaknabe (De x-träjm Soup man) (2 months ago)
The Ramburg is, so to speak, a second-rate castle. It was built in the 12th century - as an imperial castle under the Hohenstaufens - to protect the nearby Trifels Castle. Ramburgers have been documented since 1163. In 1519, Hans von Ramberg, the last member of the family, sold the castle and the village to Philip IV von Dalberg and his brother Wolfgang for 2,200 guilders. Not a good decision: just six years later, the castle burned down completely during the Peasants' War. In 1536 the Counts of Löwenstein bought the ruins. Not a good idea either: in 1560, lightning completely destroyed what was left. The Löwensteiners then had to raise a lot of money to rebuild Ramberg as a residential castle. The striking, unusually large window arches in the side wall of the main castle date from this time. They wouldn't have made sense in a medieval fortification. The next war: the thirty-year one. During this war the castle was plundered, although not destroyed. It remained inhabited as an official residence until 1638. Then it fell into disrepair until it was finally used as a quarry at the beginning of the 18th century. There is an upper castle and a lower castle. The castle entrance leads from the southwest into the upper castle, and the staircase can still be seen to the south of it. The upper castle stands on a 10 meter high, 20 by 30 meter block of rock, the sides of which have been beveled. The shield wall rises to a height of 20 meters in the north; It is covered with humpback blocks on the attack side. The hexagonal residential building leaned against it. The well is now partially exposed in the well chamber. The dividing walls of the upper castle were built up again in the 1980s, although not exactly according to the historical findings. The lower castle is missing any exposed masonry. Only beam holes in the central rock indicate a large number of leaning buildings. A staircase and a rock cellar were built on the southeastern narrow side of the central rock. Its flat ceiling is supported by two square rock pillars. At the southeast corner of this cellar there is a cistern, and at the northeast corner a few steps indicate a begun but unfinished staircase to the upper castle. In the northwest there is a moat adjoining the castle complex, which covers the shield wall. There is a cattle trough on its southwest side. Nothing can be seen of the outer bailey north of the Halsgraben.
Tony Neissner (5 months ago)
Very beautiful castle ruins with a great view. From here you can see, among other things, the Scharfenberg ruins, as well as the Anebos ruins and Trifels Castle. Seating is also available. There is a large walk-in cellar under the castle. Definitely worth seeing ✌️
Evangelos Karasimos (11 months ago)
Beautiful castle ruins in Ramberg. Easy to reach by car, the last 20 minutes can easily be completed with a walk in the forest. There is access to a small vault and from the top of the castle you have a picturesque view of the entire region. Definitely worth a visit.
Dani Sun (2 years ago)
Easy to reach. Nice circular route. By collecting a few chestnuts and walking leisurely, the castle ruins can be reached in 2 hours. Then go down to the other side. Also 1 3/4 hours. Great forest.
Martin Molema (2 years ago)
Especially the view is beautiful. There are several routes up and back. When you're upstairs, keep an eye out for the lizards you see sitting and walking everywhere on the walls
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