Rheinstein Castle, Trechtingshausen, Germany

Rheinstein castle was constructed around 1316-1317. It was important for its strategic location. By 1344, the castle was in decline. By the time of the Palatine War of Succession, the castle was very dilapidated. During the romantic period in the 19th century, Prince Frederick of Prussia (1794–1863) bought the castle and it was rebuilt.

In 1975 the opera singer Hermann Hecher bought the castle. It's due to him that Rheinstein Castle became again one of the centres of attraction in the Rhine Valley. Around the apartment tower from the 14th Century you find neo-Gothic sets, turrets, terraces and iron stairs. Inside are stained glass windows and mural painting as well as a Renaissance fire-place and stylish furniture.

References:

Wikipedia
Loreley Info

User Reviews

Thomas Kusch (3 months ago)
Impressive castle nestled into a very steep rock. There is free 2 hr-parking for maybe 40-50 cars alongside the freeway. The walk to the castle is rather steep. There is a restaurant on the premises, which serves small dishes as well as a few more elaborate entrees, nut nothing can be considered 'fine dining'. It is advisable to check the opening hours and their vacation times, which change seasonally. They can be found on their homepage.

Andy Dincher (6 months ago)
Well, decorated Romantic reconstruction. The self-guided tour is easy to follow. Climb as high as you can for sweeping views.

O Adams (8 months ago)
If you want to have a good idea of live in a castle this is a good place to come. Well preserve, spectacular views of the river and mountains and well preserved items of the old ages. Don't forget that good hill walk is also good for the health.

Oleg Shevtsoff (8 months ago)
Nice castle. Not very big, well maintained, offers good self-guided tour. Nice views, a lot of open rooms. In good hands, definitely. PS: Toilets have deafening hand dryer, kids got scared.

Kent West (12 months ago)
Enjoyed the tour of the castle. It was especially good see a castle that wasn't in ruins. The cafe at the top had a great view of the Rhine river valley. They allow you to bring your own food and drinks so you can make it economical if you need to. Only €5 entrance charge. Definitely worth a stop or as part of the ring tour.

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The Church of Our Lady before Týn is a dominant feature of the Old Town of Prague and has been the main church of this part of the city since the 14th century. The church's towers are 80 m high and topped by four small spires.

In the 11th century, this area was occupied by a Romanesque church, which was built there for foreign merchants coming to the nearby Týn Courtyard. Later it was replaced by an early Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn in 1256. Construction of the present church began in the 14th century in the late Gothic style under the influence of Matthias of Arras and later Peter Parler. By the beginning of the 15th century, construction was almost complete; only the towers, the gable and roof were missing. The church was controlled by Hussites for two centuries, including John of Rokycan, future archbishop of Prague, who became the church's vicar in 1427. The roof was completed in the 1450s, while the gable and northern tower were completed shortly thereafter during the reign of George of Poděbrady (1453–1471). His sculpture was placed on the gable, below a huge golden chalice, the symbol of the Hussites. The southern tower was not completed until 1511, under architect Matěj Rejsek.

After the lost Battle of White Mountain (1620) began the era of harsh recatholicisation (part of the Counter-Reformation). Consequently, the sculptures of 'heretic king' George of Poděbrady and the chalice were removed in 1626 and replaced by a sculpture of the Virgin Mary, with a giant halo made from by melting down the chalice. In 1679 the church was struck by lightning, and the subsequent fire heavily damaged the old vault, which was later replaced by a lower baroque vault.

Renovation works carried out in 1876–1895 were later reversed during extensive exterior renovation works in the years 1973–1995. Interior renovation is still in progress.

The northern portal is a wonderful example of Gothic sculpture from the Parler workshop, with a relief depicting the Crucifixion. The main entrance is located on the church's western face, through a narrow passage between the houses in front of the church.

The early baroque altarpiece has paintings by Karel Škréta from around 1649. The oldest pipe organ in Prague stands inside this church. The organ was built in 1673 by Heinrich Mundt and is one of the most representative 17th-century organs in Europe.

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