Marksburg Castle

Thanks to it's formidable defenses, medieval invaders decided to give Marksburg a miss. Marksburg Castle is the only hill castle on the Rhine that has never been destroyed. It has been lived in for over 700 years and thus represents an ever changing and developing building complex that has been growing into it's present shape over the centuries. It's littered with bits of it's medieval past, like the big stone ball that was swung on a rope to be used as a battering ram.The Central Keep is situated in one of the smallest courtyards in Germany. Of ancient but unknown age, it towers about 120 feet over it's base. It's present shape is 14th century, but certain parts belong to the oldest elements of the castle. The keep was the defenders' last refuge during a siege. Its only entrance was 30 feet above the ground, inaccessible with a ladder. The lower section contains the dungeon, measuring only 7ftx7ft.

Romanesque Palace - Such a beautiful building! The white outline indicates where the original window was - it was made smaller to be easier to defend.

These are from the noble families who have owned the castle since 1283.

Castle Hike

To celebrate Duncan's birthday today, we hiked to the local castle. Frauenberg Castle is about an hour hike from the Festaburg and is very amazing. It was built in the 1300's and has a very dark circular stairwell up 3 flights and then a steep ladder to the very top. We packed a picnic lunch and ate at the top of the tower - thankfully the weather cooperated despite the threat of rain. We took 5 soldiers with us and the kids had a great time befriending all these new people in their lives. They took turns getting piggy-back and shoulder rides when they were tired from walking.


When we got back home, most everyone crashed on the couches and snoozed till dinner where we had one of Duncan's favorites (sweet & sour meatballs, mashed potatoes & corn, with cheese cake to top it all off) and played games till late in the evening.