Wachtenburg Castle, dating back to the 12th century, is the town's landmark which can be seen from afar and is also known as the 'balcony of the Palatinate' thanks to its beautiful view. Along with the Burgschänke, it is one of the most popular getaway destinations in the region.
Wachtenburg Castle is home to the ruins of a spur castle on the spur of a hill rising 232 m above sea level. The castle on what is known as Schloßberg directly above Wachenheim an der Weinstraße was probably built in the 12th century under Konrad von Hohenstaufen, a half-brother of the famous Emperor Barbarossa. The castle was destroyed by French troops during the War of the Palatinate Succession in 1689.
Wachtenburg Castle is located on the premium hiking trail Pfälzer Weinsteig. From the castle's lookout tower, there is a phenomenal view of the Rhine Valley that reaches as far as the Black Forest, which is why Wachtenburg Castle is also known as the 'balcony of the Palatinate'. The history of the castle is displayed in the small castle museum.
The attached Burgschänke offers typical Palatinate specialities.
References:The ancient Argos Theater was built in 320 BC. and is located in Argos, Greece against Larissa Hill. Nearby from this site is Agora, Roman Odeon, and the Baths of Argos. The theater is one of the largest architectural developments in Greece and was renovated in ca 120 AD.
The Hellenistic theater at Argos is cut into the hillside of the Larisa, with 90 steps up a steep incline, forming a narrow rectilinear cavea. Among the largest theaters in Greece, it held about 20,000 spectators and is divided by two landings into three horizontal sections. Staircases further divide the cavea into four cunei, corresponding to the tribes of Argos A high wall was erected to prevent unauthorized access into the theatron and may have helped the acoustics, but it is said the sound quality is still very good today.
Around 120 CE, both theaters were renovated in the Roman style.