Elz Castle is a real medieval fairy tale frozen in Germany. Hidden in the dense forests of the Eifel region, it is considered one of the most beautiful and well-preserved castles in the country. His recognizable silhouette once even adorned the German 500 mark banknote. History and owners: The castle was built in the early 12th century on a strategic trade route connecting the fertile Mayfeld and the Moselle River. It was first mentioned in 1157 in a letter from Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa, where its founder, Knight Rudolf, testified and called himself "von Eltz" for the first time. In 1268, Rudolf's three grandsons, Elias, Wilhelm, and Theodoric, divided the castle and possessions, creating the Hanerbschaft (community of heirs). They agreed to live together, but built separate apartment buildings around a common courtyard. This gave rise to three main branches of the family: · The "Golden Lion" (later the Counts von Eltz-Kempenich). · "The Silver Lion" (Barons von Eltz-Rubenach). · "With buffalo horns" (Barons von Eltz-Rodendorf, extinct in 1786). The only serious military threat in the castle's history occurred in 1331. The owners of the castle came into conflict with Archbishop Baldwin of Trier, who began the siege. After two years of siege, the castle surrendered in 1333. Under the terms of the peace, the owners recognized the archbishop's suzerainty, receiving the castle back as a fief. Architectural ensemble: This is not a single building, but a whole complex of several residential towers (houses) built by different branches of the family around the courtyard. Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles are mixed here. The castle stands on a 70-meter cliff, washed on three sides by the river Elzbach. Rich interiors: Inside, the authentic furnishings of the past centuries have been preserved: tapestries, stained glass windows, tiled stoves and antique furniture. · Treasury: About 500 exhibits of the 12th-19th centuries, including jewelry. · Armory: A collection of armor and weapons, including trophies from the Battle of Vienna. · The Princess's Room: Here is the oldest Renaissance bed in Germany (1525). · Comfort level: The castle had about 40-50 fireplaces, which at that time was considered an incredible luxury.

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Азалия Харатокова

Level 2 Local Expert

It's a very beautiful castle, I really liked it.

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Егор А.

Level 9 Local Expert

An amazing place! It is very atmospheric to get from the parking lot to the castle along a forest hiking trail.

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Eltz Castle

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