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Founded: Bronze AgeCategory: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Germany
Historical period: Bronze Age (Germany)
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The Menhir of Degernau is a prehistoric standing stone located near the village of Degernau in southern Germany, on a hilltop called Bühlhölzle. Its elevated position likely marked an ancient route between the Wutach Valley and Klettgau.
Discovered in 1954 after local teacher Joseph Schneider investigated historic field names, the stone was mostly buried and only 10 cm visible. Excavations revealed it to be a nearly two-meter-tall Neolithic menhir, accompanied by pottery and stone tools from the Horgen culture.
The stone was re-erected in 1971. A second stone may have once stood nearby. A similar menhir, the "Lange Stein" (or "Chindlistein"), stands near Tiengen.
Duino Castle was built by the Wallsee family in 1389 on the cliffs overlooking the Gulf of Trieste. It replaced an older castle from the 11th century. Over time, the Wallsee family disappeared and the castle, after having been used as a prison, became the residence of the Luogar and Hofer.
At the end of the 19th century it became the property of Prince Alexander von Thurn und Taxis from the Czech branch of the House of Thurn and Taxis. It remains with the family to this day with his great-grandson Prince Carlo Alessandro della Torre e Tasso, Duke of Castel Duino the current owner. The castle has been opened to the public as a museum and park.