Rabenstein Castle Ruins, Riedenburg, Germany

Rabenstein Castle was built probably in the early 12th century. It fell into ruins in the 16th century. The surrounding walls have survived.

User Reviews

Ba NiTi (7 months ago)
The way up was by a path through the middle of the forest. Very nice, quiet and idyllic. We only recommend the ascent with sturdy shoes as it is currently very slippery. The way to the castle ruins should be signposted a little better.

be good (11 months ago)
Great for hiking.

Economy Flyer (12 months ago)
Nice panoramic view after a short hike from either Riedenburg or the Rosenburg. Can recommend for some nice views over the river.

Caroline Montoya (12 months ago)
Nice little hike! Magnificent views and tranquility !!

Sergeants Survival (2 years ago)
Was a good hike to the Burgruine Rabenstein. However, the paths were very distinguished, and there are signs leading all the way to the remains. This site is not wheelchair accessible. And if you take small children the paths may be a little difficult for them. The view from the top is phenomenal.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Honza Soukup

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Angelokastro

Angelokastro is a Byzantine castle on the island of Corfu. It is located at the top of the highest peak of the island"s shoreline in the northwest coast near Palaiokastritsa and built on particularly precipitous and rocky terrain. It stands 305 m on a steep cliff above the sea and surveys the City of Corfu and the mountains of mainland Greece to the southeast and a wide area of Corfu toward the northeast and northwest.

Angelokastro is one of the most important fortified complexes of Corfu. It was an acropolis which surveyed the region all the way to the southern Adriatic and presented a formidable strategic vantage point to the occupant of the castle.

Angelokastro formed a defensive triangle with the castles of Gardiki and Kassiopi, which covered Corfu"s defences to the south, northwest and northeast.

The castle never fell, despite frequent sieges and attempts at conquering it through the centuries, and played a decisive role in defending the island against pirate incursions and during three sieges of Corfu by the Ottomans, significantly contributing to their defeat.

During invasions it helped shelter the local peasant population. The villagers also fought against the invaders playing an active role in the defence of the castle.

The exact period of the building of the castle is not known, but it has often been attributed to the reigns of Michael I Komnenos and his son Michael II Komnenos. The first documentary evidence for the fortress dates to 1272, when Giordano di San Felice took possession of it for Charles of Anjou, who had seized Corfu from Manfred, King of Sicily in 1267.

From 1387 to the end of the 16th century, Angelokastro was the official capital of Corfu and the seat of the Provveditore Generale del Levante, governor of the Ionian islands and commander of the Venetian fleet, which was stationed in Corfu.

The governor of the castle (the castellan) was normally appointed by the City council of Corfu and was chosen amongst the noblemen of the island.

Angelokastro is considered one of the most imposing architectural remains in the Ionian Islands.

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