Nanstein Castle, Landstuhl, Germany

Nanstein Castle was built around the year 1162 after Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I demanded its construction as additional defense for the Palatinate.

In 1504, German knight Franz von Sickingen, inherited part of the castle after his father's death in the War of the Bavarian Succession, finally acquiring the entire castle in 1518. He immediately began extensive refortification to make the castle suitable for firearms.

Nanstein is well known for an elaborate siege during the Knights' Revolt in 1523 which claimed the life of von Sickingen. The fall of Nanstein was a symbol for the decline of castles in the Palatinate.

In 1542, von Sickingen's sons recovered Nanstein as a fief and started reconstruction of the castle. Reinhard von Sickingen completed the reconstruction in 1595. In 1668, Elector Charles I Louis forced Lotharingian troops from the castle and razed the fortifications.

In the 19th century the first conservation work was done on Nanstein, and this has continued to the present day.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Calin Tackett (3 years ago)
Incredible experience for the entire family! Our toddler tagged along and had a blast! Bring cash for cute souvenirs and come hungry for the quaint restaurant!

Lynn Reiswig (3 years ago)
Interesting castle ruin with beautiful views of the surrounding area. Was nice that they had some historical information in english. Makes for a fun day trip.

andrei f (3 years ago)
The ? was the right choice. The waiter was prompt, however he forgot few things and I had to call him few times. Good place to eat in Springfield. Be back.

Stephen Raya (3 years ago)
Great place to take a quick tour. Castle is cool and offers beautiful scenery. Plan for about an hour to see everything. Didn't take the audio tour, but I am to in the future. Be sure to grab a beer or a quick bite at the restaurant just outside the entrance.

Trevor L (3 years ago)
Nice hike. Restaurant was good. Grab a cold beer or hot coffee after a hike in the summer or winter

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Kakesbeck is one of the largest medieval fortifications in Münsterland and the oldest castle in Lüdinghausen. The imposingly grown complex originated in 1120 as a motte, a small hilltop tower castle. After numerous changes of ownership, the castle was extended onto two islands, but it was not until the 14th century that it underwent significant alterations and extensions under the von Oer family. The estate experienced its heyday in the middle of the 18th century, when it covered an area of almost one square kilometre and consisted of five further outer castles in addition to the core castle, which were secured by ramparts and moats.

The well-maintained condition of the castle today is thanks to the late Wilfried Grewing, the former lord of the castle. The foundation named after him has been particularly committed to preserving the property since 2020.

Nanstein Castle

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