What if these stones could talk? Castellaun Castle whispers tales of counts and conflicts. It also tells of destruction and restoration. Welcome to this historic site.
Kastellaun Castle stands proudly above the town. Its ruins connect to the old town wall. For centuries, it has watched over Kastellaun. It played a vital role in the town’s development.
The castle’s story began in the 13th century. It was first mentioned in 1226 as Kestilun. Back then, it belonged to the Count of Sponheim. In 1301, Count Simon II made it his residence.
Trouble brewed in 1321 when Archbishop Baldwin of Trier besieged Kastellaun Castle. To challenge the Sponheims, Baldwin built Burg Balduinseck nearby in 1325.
In 1340, Count Walram left Kastellaun. Bailiffs then administered the castle. The Sponheim line eventually died out. Ownership passed to Margrave Bernhard II of Baden and Count Friedrich of Veldenz. They ruled jointly.
The last Count of Veldenz died in 1444. His share went to his son-in-law, Stephen. Stephen was the Count Palatine of Simmern-Zweibrücken. This brought the castle into the Palatinate’s sphere of influence.
For a brief time in 1594, Kastellaun Castle became a residence again. Edward Fortunatus retreated here after losing the Margravate of Baden.
The Thirty Years’ War brought occupation from 1618 to 1648. In 1689, during the War of the Palatine Succession, French troops destroyed the castle. It was never rebuilt.
The castle ruins fell into private hands in 1820. The municipality bought them in 1884. The town then made initial repairs to stabilize the structure. Extensive cleanup and restoration took place from 1990 to 1993.
The castle features inner and outer baileys. In the inner ward, you can see the remains of a bergfried. There are also defensive walls and two residential buildings. The east building dates back to the 14th century. Excavations revealed its cellar. The ruin on the west side is from the palas and a powder tower. These were likely built in the 16th century.
Today, the former palas serves as an open-air stage. Imagine knights and nobles once walked where actors now perform.
Restaurateurs operate in the castle cellars. They offer medieval-style feasts. What an authentic way to experience history.
In the lower bailey, a documentation center opened in 2007. It displays regional history. Exhibits cover Celtic and Roman times and life in the Middle Ages.
Kastellaun Castle has witnessed sieges, ownership changes, and destruction. However, it stands as a testament to the region’s rich past. Take a moment to appreciate the history. Let the stones of Kastellaun Castle tell their story.