Laubenbergerstein is a hilltop castle, likely established in the 12th century by the Bishops of Augsburg, aimed to safeguard the crucial Iller River crossing and associated customs station. Initially occupied by the Laubenberg family, the castle experienced conflicts, including attacks in 1449 by Graf Hugo XIII. von Montfort. Kaspar von Laubenberg initiated substantial expansions after 1450, resulting in the dominant artillery keep. During the German Peasants' War in 1525, the castle was seized and weapons were stolen.
In 1559, the Laubenberg family left the castle for a newly built residence in Rauhenzell. By 1629, the castle was already considered a partial ruin. Margaretha von Laubenberg accelerated its decay in 1641, selling roofing tiles. In 1647, the fief was revoked, and by 1806, the castle came under Bavarian rule. In 1977, the Immenstadt Heritage Association acquired the ruins and began restoration efforts. The castle, made of local materials, is now accessible to visitors. The imposing artillery tower, constructed after 1450, dominates the castle's appearance and can be climbed on special occasions.
Caernarfon Castle in Gwynedd, Wales, is recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages. It was a motte-and-bailey castle from the late 11th century until 1283 when King Edward I of England began to replace it with the current stone structure. The Edwardian town and castle acted as the administrative centre of north Wales, and as a result the defences were built on a grand scale. There was a deliberate link with Caernarfon's Roman past, and the Roman fort of Segontium is nearby.
While the castle was under construction, town walls were built around Caernarfon. The work cost between £20,000 and £25,000 from the start until the work ended in 1330. Although the castle appears mostly complete from the outside, the interior buildings no longer survive and many of the building plans were never finished. The town and castle were sacked in 1294 when Madog ap Llywelyn led a rebellion against the English. Caernarfon was recaptured the following year.