Nanstein Castle, Landstuhl, Germany

Nanstein Castle was built around the year 1162 after Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I demanded its construction as additional defense for the Palatinate.

In 1504, German knight Franz von Sickingen, inherited part of the castle after his father's death in the War of the Bavarian Succession, finally acquiring the entire castle in 1518. He immediately began extensive refortification to make the castle suitable for firearms.

Nanstein is well known for an elaborate siege during the Knights' Revolt in 1523 which claimed the life of von Sickingen. The fall of Nanstein was a symbol for the decline of castles in the Palatinate.

In 1542, von Sickingen's sons recovered Nanstein as a fief and started reconstruction of the castle. Reinhard von Sickingen completed the reconstruction in 1595. In 1668, Elector Charles I Louis forced Lotharingian troops from the castle and razed the fortifications.

In the 19th century the first conservation work was done on Nanstein, and this has continued to the present day.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Calin Tackett (4 years ago)
Incredible experience for the entire family! Our toddler tagged along and had a blast! Bring cash for cute souvenirs and come hungry for the quaint restaurant!

Lynn Reiswig (4 years ago)
Interesting castle ruin with beautiful views of the surrounding area. Was nice that they had some historical information in english. Makes for a fun day trip.

andrei f (4 years ago)
The ? was the right choice. The waiter was prompt, however he forgot few things and I had to call him few times. Good place to eat in Springfield. Be back.

Stephen Raya (4 years ago)
Great place to take a quick tour. Castle is cool and offers beautiful scenery. Plan for about an hour to see everything. Didn't take the audio tour, but I am to in the future. Be sure to grab a beer or a quick bite at the restaurant just outside the entrance.

Trevor L (4 years ago)
Nice hike. Restaurant was good. Grab a cold beer or hot coffee after a hike in the summer or winter

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Klearchos Kapoutsis

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The castle first mentioned in 1200 was originally owned by the King and later, at the end of the 13th century it fell in hands of Matúš Èák. Its owners alternated - at the end of the 14th century the family of Stibor of Stiborice bought it.

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The history of the castle is the subject of different legends.

Nanstein Castle

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