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Runkel Castle

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State of Hessen, Limburg-Weilburg, Runkel

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State of Hessen, Limburg-Weilburg, Runkel

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@makc_177

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History of the castle: 1. Foundation and early centuries (c. 1159): The castle was founded around 1159 by Knight Siegfried von Runkel. The original building is a massive Romanesque Bergfried (main tower) and a residential palace (palace), which still form the core of the complex. Its strategic location made it possible to control the important ford across the Lahn River and the trade route from Koblenz to Wetterau. 2. Separation and expansion: In the 13th century, the von Runkel family split into two lines: the owners of Runkel Castle and the owners of the neighboring Westerburg Castle. This led to a long-running feud. In the following centuries, the castle was constantly being completed and strengthened, turning into a powerful fortress with several rows of walls and towers. In the XV-XVI centuries, Late Gothic and Renaissance elements were added. 3. Destruction and decay (XVIII century): The most dramatic event in the history of the castle occurred during the War of the Austrian Succession. In 1646, French troops besieged the castle, defended by Imperial soldiers. After an artillery bombardment, they stormed it and heavily destroyed it. Since then, a significant part of the buildings has been in ruins. 4. Recovery and Life today: Despite the destruction, the von Runkel family (later the von Velden family) never left the castle. In the 18th century, they built a New Baroque palace (Neues Palais) at the foot of the fortress, which became their main residence. Since the 1970s, the family has been actively involved in the conservation and restoration of ruins to preserve them for posterity. The castle is still their private property and ancestral home. -Architectural features: The castle is divided into two parts: · Outer castle (Vorburg): Entrance area with outbuildings. · The main castle (Kernburg): The heart of the fortress, located on a cliff. Key elements: · Bergfried (Main Tower): The oldest element of the castle (12th century). Today, you can climb a narrow staircase to its top to enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the Lahn River Valley, the town of Runkel and the opposite Shadek Castle. · Ruins of the palace: The powerful walls and window openings give an idea of the former grandeur of the living quarters. · Chapel: A preserved Gothic chapel, where services and weddings are still sometimes held. · Courtyard: An atmospheric place where you can feel the spirit of the Middle Ages. Jousting tournaments and cultural events are often held here. · Lahn Bridge: View of the castle from the stone arch bridge of the XVIII century is a classic and most photogenic postcard.

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