The Electoral Castle is Eltville's landmark and was built in 1330 by Balduin von Trier on the ruins of a castle destroyed during the Tariff Wars ('Zollkriege'). Construction was completed in 1350 by Heinrich von Virneburg. During the 14th and 15th centuries, the castle was the residence of the archbishops and electors of Mainz. In 1635, the entire property, except for the living tower (“Wohnturm”), was destroyed by Swedish troops. Only the east wing was rebuilt in modified form in 1682/83.
The Gutenberg exhibition in the tower pays tribute to the famous inventor of letterpress printing, who was officially honored here in 1465, the only time during his life. Today it invites visitors to wander through the courtyard, castle moat, and beautiful rose garden.
Many festivals und cultural events take place here throughout the year. The castle can be rented as a unique location for your private events such as weddings and family celebrations as well as for business meetings and seminars etc.
References:Visby Cathedral (also known as St. Mary’s Church) is the only survived medieval church in Visby. It was originally built for German merchants and inaugurated in 1225. Around the year 1350 the church was enlarged and converted into a basilica. The two-storey magazine was also added then above the nave as a warehouse for merchants.
Following the Reformation, the church was transformed into a parish church for the town of Visby. All other churches were abandoned. Shortly after the Reformation, in 1572, Gotland was made into its own Diocese, and the church designated its cathedral.
There is not much left of the original interior. The font is made of local red marble in the 13th century. The pulpit was made in Lübeck in 1684. There are 400 graves under the church floor.