Gnandstein Castle, Gnandstein, Germany

Gnandstein castle was built in the Romanesque style in the 13th century, probably only with a rectangular groundplan and a residential tower. Parts of the present building still date from this early period. The external walls were extended several times.

During the Thirty Years' War the castle was attacked by Swedish troops and partly destroyed. Shortly before the end of the war the south wing burned down after being struck by lightning.

The well house is more than 33 meters high, giving the visitor a broader view of the region. It was used as a watch tower. Guided tours are available.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Thomas Grill (2 years ago)
Als Besucher aus Schwaben habe ich die Besichtigung genossen. Die Damen am Empfang waren sehr freundlich und hilfsbereit. Schade, dass das Mittelalter spektal hauptsächlich am Samstag war, meine beiden Schwestern, die in Ramsdorf leben, und ich waren am Sonntag in der Burg. Schöne Themenzimmer,netter Burghof mit leckeren Speisen.

voiceoj (2 years ago)
Schön gepflegte Burganlage mit Hotel Restaurant & Café. Idyllisch und ländlich gelegen, findet der Besucher hier einen wunderschönen Erholungsort vor. Für Hochzeiten bieten sich die historischen Räumlichkeiten, in den Sommermonaten zusätzlich die Panoramaterrasse und der Arkadenburghof an.

John Bok (2 years ago)
Krásný hrad v pěkné krajině. Vyhlídka z věže úžasná. Expozice zajímavá - nádherná gotická kaple.

Ryan Kriste (3 years ago)
Beautiful castle. We got married here. Great food and beer in the restaurant.

Unbezwingbar (3 years ago)
Top

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Erik Christensen, Porkeri

Historic Site of the week

Kirkjubøargarður

Kirkjubøargarður ('Yard of Kirkjubøur', also known as King"s Farm) is one of the oldest still inhabited wooden houses of the world. The farm itself has always been the largest in the Faroe Islands. The old farmhouse dates back to the 11th century. It was the episcopal residence and seminary of the Diocese of the Faroe Islands, from about 1100. Sverre I of Norway (1151–1202), grew up here and went to the priest school. The legend says, that the wood for the block houses came as driftwood from Norway and was accurately bundled and numbered, just for being set up. Note, that there is no forest in the Faroes and wood is a very valuable material. Many such wood legends are thus to be found in Faroese history.

The oldest part is a so-called roykstova (reek parlour, or smoke room). Perhaps it was moved one day, because it does not fit to its foundation. Another ancient room is the loftstovan (loft room). It is supposed that Bishop Erlendur wrote the 'Sheep Letter' here in 1298. This is the earliest document of the Faroes we know today. It is the statute concerning sheep breeding on the Faroes. Today the room is the farm"s library. The stórastovan (large room) is from a much later date, being built in 1772.

Though the farmhouse is a museum, the 17th generation of the Patursson Family, which has occupied it since 1550, is still living here. Shortly after the Reformation in the Faroe Islands in 1538, all the real estate of the Catholic Church was seized by the King of Denmark. This was about half of the land in the Faroes, and since then called King"s Land (kongsjørð). The largest piece of King"s Land was the farm in Kirkjubøur due to the above-mentioned Episcopal residence. This land is today owned by the Faroese government, and the Paturssons are tenants from generation to generation. It is always the oldest son, who becomes King"s Farmer, and in contrast to the privately owned land, the King"s Land is never divided between the sons.

The farm holds sheep, cattle and some horses. It is possible to get a coffee here and buy fresh mutton and beef directly from the farmer. In the winter season there is also hare hunting for the locals. Groups can rent the roykstovan for festivities and will be served original Faroese cuisine.

Other famous buildings directly by the farmhouse are the Magnus Cathedral and the Saint Olav"s Church, which also date back to the mediaeval period. All three together represent the Faroe Island"s most interesting historical site.

Do you know an ancient castle or magnificent church near you?

Why not share it with other people interested in history? You can add your own historic sites and attractions to SpottingHistory.com.

It's absolutely free, easy, and doesn't even need registration!

Upload data

Gnandstein Castle

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

History of Guernsey & Jersey

Most beautiful castles in Lithuania

Cultural Landscape of Sintra, Portugal

Historic Site of the week

Kirkjubøargarður

Looks like you are a history fan!