Maus Castle, Wellmich, Germany

Maus Castle construction was begun in 1356 by Archbishop-Elector of Trier Bohemond II and was continued for the next 30 years by successive Electors of Trier. The construction of Burg Maus was to enforce Trier's recently acquired Rhine River toll rights and to secure Trier's borders against the Counts of Katzenelnbogen (who had built Burg Katz and Burg Rheinfels). In the latter half of the 14th century Burg Maus was one of the residences of the Elector of Trier.

Unlike its two neighbouring castles, Burg Maus was never destroyed, though it fell into disrepair in the 16th and 17th centuries. Restoration of the castle was undertaken between 1900 and 1906 under the architect Wilhelm Gärtner with attention to historical detail.

The castle suffered further damage from shelling during World War II which has since been repaired. Today Burg Maus hosts an aviary that is home to falcons, owls and eagles, and flight demonstrations are staged for visitors from late March to early October.

The ward of the castles contains two residential buildings. The vulnerable side facing uphill is guarded by a round bergfried.

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User Reviews

Cheng (4 years ago)
Special

Gary Freeman (5 years ago)
Stunning castle overlooking the river Rhein.

uncle em (5 years ago)
A beautiful medieval castle. Unfortunately, was closed when we visited. There is a pleasant and enjoyable hike up to the castle. Also several hiking paths pass by the castle

John Holme (6 years ago)
We loved the hike up to the castle but found out it was closed. Anyways, a great hike and awesome view over the castle and Rhinen river.

Sylvia Fels (6 years ago)
Another castle seen from the ship along the Rhine.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Infomastern

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Visby Cathedral (also known as St. Mary’s Church) is the only survived medieval church in Visby. It was originally built for German merchants and inaugurated in 1225. Around the year 1350 the church was enlarged and converted into a basilica. The two-storey magazine was also added then above the nave as a warehouse for merchants.

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There is not much left of the original interior. The font is made of local red marble in the 13th century. The pulpit was made in Lübeck in 1684. There are 400 graves under the church floor.

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