Saaleck Castle, Hammelburg, Germany

Around 800 AD, a chapel is said to have been built on the site of current Saaleck Castle. The origins of the castle remain unclear. It was first mentioned around 1030 by a historian from the nearby Homburg, which was being extensively expanded at the time.

Significant expansions were made in the 13th century. Abbot Heinrich von Erthal (1249–1261) completed the fortifications, adding ditches, walls, and battlements. The neck ditch was deepened, and the shield wall was reinforced. Over the following centuries, the castle was continuously worked on. Even Ulrich von Hutten once paid 50 guilders to renew a wooden bridge over the southern neck ditch.

Originally, Fulda's southernmost stronghold played an important role in the region. The castle was strategically located and was significantly strengthened during the time of Abbot Marquard I.

After the Thirty Years' War, Salentin von Sintzig rebuilt the castle as his retirement residence. According to his reports, the castle was in a very ruined state at the time, with large stones being taken away by locals for their own construction purposes. From 1644 to 1667, he meticulously rebuilt the entire complex. Before the Peasants' War, the castle had lost its military importance and had fallen into ruin. It had not suffered significant damage from wars or fires until the outbreak of the war, when it was suddenly occupied and devastated by rebels.

About 100 meters below the castle lies the upper end of the chapel's way of the cross from the Altstadt Monastery.

Today, the castle, or Schloss Saaleck, is protected as a landscape-defining historical monument.

Walls of Constantinople

The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.

Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.

S. L. (2 years ago)
Go to the top of the tower

Daniel N (6 years ago)
Beautiful panoramic view and Delicious food

Anshu ranjan bose (7 years ago)
The perfect place for a cozy dinner. Lovely ambience and the staff is perfect.

Stephan Meyer-Ewald (8 years ago)
Beautiful castle. Great place to start a hike. There a wine tasting room nearby. Great restaurant/cafe inside. Great view from the tower.

Gareth Williams (8 years ago)
Great meal in fantastic surrounds. Don't forget to climb the tower for fantastic views.

Saaleck Castle

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